ØJNE + Algae Bloom + Kaddish + Deathbloom + Spillage + Prise @ the Star & Garter (Manchester) - 13 Jan 2024
The DIY scene has never stopped blooming in Manchester. It makes sense in a city rich in music history dating back to the 19th century, but exploding in the 1960s and 1970s, the underground punks would gather, bringing excellent lineups and extraordinarily talented musicians.
Since announcing the screamo heavyweights ØJNE (Italy) for a UK-exclusive headliner show, the promoter made sure to scream inclusivity with a line-up packed with eclectic and talented musicians. Unsurprisingly, the intimate show sold out, forcing the promoter to release extra tickets. With such a vast line-up, there was something for everybody. However, two bands stood out and deserve a special mention: Prise and Deathbloom.
The night started with Prise. Despite being their first show, you could tell that the band is formed by seasoned musicians. Prise’s energy on the stage was palpable from the beginning of their set, captivating the audience and setting the tone for the rest of the evening. As the crowd gathered around the stage, the powerful combination of Inflicter and Lorelai‘s members was evident in every note, showcasing their years of experience and dedication to their craft.
Their music’s fast-paced, intense nature left a lasting impression, with fans eagerly anticipating what’s next for this promising new band. With their recent demo release, they have already impacted the local music scene, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to witness their debut performance. The future looks bright for Prise, and their passion for emo-violence is sure to resonate with music enthusiasts far and wide.
The next performers to take the stage were the fiercely delicate Deathbloom, who transported the entire audience to an alternate forest.
This all-female band started with a melodic tune to set the mood, and the riffs only got harder and harder from there. Their performance reached a climax of absolute chaos as moshing fairies destroyed the patriarchy.
Most of their set consisted of new material that will be released soon. Deathbloom is a band that stands out due to their exceptional talent and unique style, and they are definitely worth keeping an eye on. With their ethereal melodies and powerful lyrics, Deathbloom captivated the audience, drawing them into a realm where reality intertwined with the magic of their music. Each member’s instrumental prowess was evident, contributing to the sonic tapestry that enveloped the crowd. This band’s ability to seamlessly blend various underground genres while maintaining their distinctive sound is truly impressive.
As they closed their set, leaving the audience in awe, it was clear that Deathbloom’s influence in the music industry is bound to expand, captivating more souls with their captivating performances and enchanting musical innovation.
I left the venue feeling joy and looking at future dates for the mentioned bands (and those I have not discussed). Simone might not put up gigs regularly, but he knows how to put a line-up together. I hope he continues as he shows that the scene is DIY or die, giving the bands the space and voice they deserve.
You can follow the bands in the following links:
Deathbloom on Facebook | Bandcamp |Instagram
Prise on Bandcamp
Spillage on Facebook | Bandcamp| Instagram |YouTube
Kaddish on Spotify | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | X
Algae Bloom on Spotify | Bandcamp
Øjne on Spotify Facebook Bandcamp | Instagram | Bigcartel
