Across the Mersey and away from the busy city, lies one of Birkenhead’s best venues, Future Yard. Tonight (10 April) the 350 capacity venue is host to one of Blackpool’s most exciting up-and-coming alternative bands Boston Manor.
Starting back in 2013, the band have continuously gained momentum; always striving for bigger and better things. They have 4 albums under their belt and a collection of EP’s, they’ve toured around the world with some of the scene’s biggest bands, they’ve played multiple festivals, and tonight they’re here to play to people from across Merseyside in a significantly smaller venue to what they’ve been playing recently.
To kick the night off, all the way from Salisbury, we have Oversize. This 4 piece was founded in 2019 and draws inspiration from 90’s indie, Emo, Shoegaze and grunge. As the room continues to fill, the stage lights up and Oversize take to the stage, starting their set with Different Light. Grungy guitars ring out before slowing down, allowing space for front man Sam McCauley’s vocals to fill the room. From the moment they start playing, their influences are clear but have still allowed the band to develop their own sound within the genre.
There’s no lack of movement on stage as the band makes use of the space around them. At times, the guitarist and bassist duel against each other, clearly enjoying their time on stage. For many members of the crowd, this is their first time hearing the band and, judging by the movement in the room, ‘Oversize’ are well received. “This is also the first time the band have ever played in Liverpool” announces McCauley. As the set draws to a close, the band thank the audience for their time before leaving the stage to large rounds of applause.
Anticipation is now building. It’s nearly time for Boston Manor to take to the stage. Having not long released new music, there’s a lot to be excited about tonight. As the lights drop, once more, cheers ring out and the band take to the stage. Within moments, the room is full of movement as Boston Manor kick their set off with an explosive performance of a new song Container before moving on to 2022 track Foxglove, leading to loud sing-alongs during the anthemic chorus.
Following the second song, vocalist Henry Cox points out that this is in fact a no barriers show and that crowd surfing and stage diving is encouraged, but to look out for each other. No sooner has the third song started and our first crowd surfer of the night makes his way to the stage. With a look of complete joy he jumps back onto the crowd. No barrier shows are something of a rarity these days so this is an opportunity for fans to really let loose.
At the midpoint of the set, there are no signs of slowing down as the band blast their way through the ever catchy Liquid, once again igniting the crowd. This is an anthem and it deserves the reception it’s getting. More crowd surfers take their opportunity to get up close to the band before jumping back into the chaos of the crowd.
As a small mosh pit swirls, the band continue their way through an exciting set, covering all areas of their discography before making their way to the latest single Sliding Doors. Playing new songs to a crowd doesn’t always work out for bands but this song is huge. Cox’s clean vocals sound stronger than ever over grungy guitars, before unleashing crushing screams over distorted guitars and booming drums. It’s a song that definitely wouldn’t sound out of place on a Deftones album.
As the set moves into its final phase the crowd are treated to the energetic Passenger, before topping things off with a fan favourite Halo. It’s the perfect end to a truly electric set, giving fans one last chance to let out any remaining energy.
As the night draws to a close, the room is still full of energy as people talk about tonight’s set, and there is a lot to talk about. This may even be one of the last few times fans will get to see such an exciting band in such a small venue. If tonight’s show is anything to go by, Boston Manor are once again heading for bigger things and are easily capable of filling bigger venues. They are carrying the torch for the UK’s alternative scene, and it burns brighter than ever.
Will Robinson
