Two weeks to the day after the release of their third studio album What’s It Like Over There?, Circa Waves played Victoria Warehouse just outside Manchester, mid-way through their UK tour of the album. Having released dates for a European tour earlier in the week, anticipation and excitement levels were tangible as I entered the venue.
Victoria Warehouse, located slightly outside Manchester City Centre is rustic and quaint just backing on to Old Trafford and opposite Media City, perfectly complimenting the contagious community of indie music lovers.
Supported by Vistas, a small Scottish indie band and Liverpool’s The Night Café the crowd was electrified from the get go. By 9.15 Circa Waves were ready to come on, they walked on stage boldly and confidently, engaging the enjoyment of the whole crowd from the first noise.
Circa Waves – Movies
Despite being an all standing, vast and warehouse-like venue the lighting was just as high quality as an arena. Consistent colours and effects ran through the whole set but song had its own distinct feel and vibe which complimented the progression through their albums. Sound quality was equally as good, all the intricacies could be heard from the front to the back. Having started at the barrier and moved gradually more to the back through the mosh-pits I can safely say the crowd was enthralled throughout, each word sang louder than the band and an infectious enthusiasm captivated each person entirely.
Circa Waves – T-Shirt Weather
In terms of songs, they played a pretty much equal mix of all three albums – of course T-Shirt Weather ended the night, complete with flares, fireworks and confetti. Although, it did surprise my how little were played from the most recent album What’s It Like Over There? considering it only came out two weeks prior, but at the same time it was nice to hear the older songs since I’d not seen them before.
Ultimately, the bands evident happiness and friendliness carried the night through, the hot and sweaty crowd’s passion couldn’t be dampened because of how well they played and sounded. Would definitely see them again, and am keen to do so soon.
Circa Waves Setlist
- Wake Up
- Fossils
- Movies
- Get Away
- Times Won’t Change Me
- Stuck
- My Love
- Stuck in My Teeth
- Be Somebody Good
- Young Chasers
- Lost It
- Goodbye
- Fire That Burns
Encore: - The Way We Say Goodbye
- T-Shirt Weather