Moulding an infectious setlist of his new dancefloor ready tracks and older indie classics, Declan McKenna took to the 02 Ritz in Manchester this April as part of tour promoting his newest and much anticipated album ‘What Happened To The Beach?’
From the likes of Wet Leg to Alfie Templeman, it goes without saying that McKenna knows how to pick the best upcoming artists to be his support act. Nothing has changed this time round as Wunderhorse, a rock band started by lead singer Jacob Slater, open this tour. Wunderhorse thrive on fierce guitar and powerful vocals as well as, lyrics which tackle themes of what it’s like growing up, addictions and romance. The band’s debut track ‘Teal’ is a standout, combining raw guitar and intense drumming with meaningful and emotional vocals.
Beginning with ecstatic screams of joy from the crowd and explosions from confetti cannons, McKenna takes to stage to perform a beautiful track from his new album ‘sympathy.’ This album is entirely different to McKenna’s older songs and focuses less on political and social issues and is more dedicated to experimentation. It’s obvious McKenna’s very proud of the album and excited to share it as he can’t stay still and constantly runs across the stage matching the crowd’s adrenalized energy. Despite only being released recently, much of the audience sing along, buzzing to finally get to enjoy some fresh songs live.
To the crowd’s joy, McKenna smashes out plenty of his most popular tracks like ‘Brazil’, ‘Make Me Your Queen’ and ‘Why Do You Feel So Down.’ Hit’s like ‘Isombard’ have the audience spreading out and rushing back into huge mosh pits at every chorus. In fact, during any upbeat songs like ‘The Phantom Buzz (Kick In)’ the atmosphere is infectious and vigorous. McKenna also offers a taste of calmer, more passionate tracks like ‘Eventually Darling’ leaving fans teary eyed.
A standout ‘Listen to Your Friends’ is near the end of the set. The angered lyrics focus on problems many people, especially youths, in the UK face. This includes train prices, poverty and healthcare. The stomach-turning line ‘the problem arose when a rich man suggested it over his lunchtime snack’ gets belted out across the venue. Not only Is the song emotional and brave but it showcases the frustration felt by McKenna’s fans who leak passion as they bellow every word.
The crowd pleaser ‘British Bombs’ is laced with more heavy themed lyrics but creates absolute chaos making it best way to close the show. Not only the audience go feral but so does McKenna as he leaps and races and over the stage attempting cartwheels whilst the bright confetti cannon shoots one final time. During this song the room is carefree with wide smiles beaming back at McKenna. His lyric ‘roaring crowds in Manchester’ is certainly proved correct and sums up the night perfectly.
