DEAFHEAVEN: MANCHESTER, UK - 26.09.22
Deafheaven with support from Lauren Auder
at Gorilla in Manchester, UK
photos by Graham Noble, words by Daniel Tsourekas
Deafheaven continue to prove that they are masters at what they do, providing Manchester’s historic Gorilla venue with an unforgettable and emotional live show.
Gorilla has hosted an abundance of talent over the years, varying in genre, style and audience. Diversity has always been part of the venue’s identity, and subsequently its charm. As such, it came as no surprise when they announced that Deafheaven’s Manchester tour date would be taking place in the staple 500-cap room. The five-piece band have been characterised as many things, varying from fan and reviewer proclaimed “blackgaze” and post-metal, and recently performed at the BEC Arena, headlining the Sunday of well-known hardcore Outbreak Festival earlier this June.
Their headline tour was in support of their latest album Infinite Granite, which was released in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and consisted of an interesting departure from the band’s usual style, opting for a more shoegaze approach with predominantly clean vocals. Featuring support from genre-fluid experimental musician Lauren Auder, all signs pointed towards an immense and intense night, with a balanced mixture of sounds and atmosphere.
The time arrives and people start queuing underneath the Great Marlborough Street tunnel. Deafheaven merchandise is apparent everywhere, whether it be from older tours or Outbreak Festival, everyone is clearly excited to see a band that have left a crucial mark on the scene.
The night kicks off with Lauren Auder who instantly makes an impact with catchy and hard-hitting 808s, melodies and melancholic lyrics. Quite fascinatingly, the performance is done through backing tracks and only features the artist themselves and their guitarist, however, when on stage they carry with them a unique aura and intrigue that keeps the audience captivated for their 30 minute set.
Prior to Deafheaven’s arrival on stage, the visual backdrop doesn’t cease to amaze the crowd. LED screens pulsating with blue colours that seamlessly flow through the entire stage, providing the show with a production value equivalent to much larger venues, yet keeping the intense intimacy Manchester’s grassroots venues provide.
Soon enough, the opening track ‘Shellstar’ begins to play. From this moment onward, the intensity levels are at an all time high, with the beautiful blend of shoegaze melody and unique vocal range that lead singer George Clarke brings to the stage. Surprisingly, the audience finds itself so captivated, that no mosh pits are visible for the first handful of songs.
Interacting with the crowd in a playful and intimate way, it is clear to see how passionate the band is towards not only their craft, but also their audience. The hundreds of unknown faces and strangers feel like they’ve known them personally for years. It is quite an extraordinary feeling, and elevates the performance even further to create a sense of comfort unlike any other.
As the night progresses, we are treated with an abundance of fan favourites and blast beats, whether it be through the heavier side of ‘Honeycomb’ and ‘Worthless Animal', or the milder cuts from their latest record, such as ‘In Blur' and ‘Great Mass of Color'. As the band exit the stage following the excellent performance of ‘Mombasa’, it is quite clear that the audience is expecting the staple song that has defined the band since Sunbather’s release in 2013 as an encore. Indeed as Deafheaven return to the stage for the final couple of tracks before gracefully continuing their tour, the crowd’s energy and excitement subsequently leads to a massive moshpit for the remainder of the show. ‘Brought to the Water’ and ‘Dream House’ close a perfect performance at Gorilla, as the fans say goodbye and pay their respects through a well deserved standing ovation.
Deafheaven’s live experience can only be described as an emotionally and intensity charged performance, with a perfect blend between old and new. Undeniably a must see for anyone interested in the heavier side of the music industry.