Cassandra Jenkins @ YES Review: rich and tender introspection

A sea of black jackets fills the Pink Room at YES (Manchester) as people gather for Cassandra Jenkins’ sold-out show on a frosty November evening. The New York-based singer-songwriter, known for her introspective lyrics and ambient soundscapes, is midway through her UK tour, and anticipation buzzes for a night of poignant storytelling and captivating music. 

Before she takes the stage, Scottish band LYLO sets the tone with a soulful and energetic set. Opening with ‘It’s Out of the Question’, they immediately command attention with lush vocals and infectious guitar/drum melodies, before reflecting on their past collaborations with Jenkins, including the song ‘Downtown’, which they produced together. 

At 9:30, Jenkins takes the stage, transforming the venue with her soothing voice and atmospheric arrangements. She performs a mix of songs from her latest album, ‘My Light, My Destroyer’, released earlier this year, alongside tracks from her 2021 release, ‘An Overview on Phenomenal Nature’. 

The intimate, rose-hued setting of the Pink Room enhances the evening’s dreamlike quality, with soft lighting and close quarters creating a shared experience. The audience listens in near silence between songs—here to absorb, not party—and Jenkins delivers, drawing them in with her emotive performance. 

A standout track is ‘Delphinium Blue’, inspired by Jenkins’ time as a florist in New York. Her voice, rich and tender, guides listeners through a vivid blend of wistful strings and soft electric guitar, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia. 

‘Clams Casino’ brings a vibrant shift in energy, filled with layered guitar riffs and intricate arrangements. As one of the more upbeat moments, it injects a gentle yet captivating energy into the evening, showcasing Jenkins’ ability to craft both introspective and dynamic soundscapes.

Midway through her set, Jenkins lightens the mood with a playful anecdote about her “cosmic guest list,” which she claims is ever-expanding. She mentions a hamster she met on the tram earlier that day, now added to the list. Her warm, authentic personality shines through, creating a personal connection with the audience. 

Jenkins wraps up with ‘Hard Drive’, a deeply introspective piece exploring the complexities of memory and emotional release. The song’s lyrics evoke the metaphor of emotions stored like files on a hard drive: "I’ve stored it all in a hard drive, somewhere deep inside, but I can’t find the key to unlock what’s mine.” It’s a deeply intoxicating moment within the set. 

With emotive electric guitar riffs adding depth to the music, her reflective vocals invite the audience to contemplate alongside her, leaving the room with a warm, contemplative sense of connection. If you’re drawn to introspective, atmospheric music that feels like poetry set to sound, Cassandra Jenkins’ style is for you. 

Fans of artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Joni Mitchell, or Angel Olsen, who blend reflective lyricism with emotive instrumentation, will resonate deeply with Jenkins’ work. Her music offers a serene escape while exploring themes of connection, memory, and self-reflection.

For more gigs from across the UK, head to our UK Gig Guide Inspire Me page. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.