Everything Everything at Manchester Apollo review

Image: Everything Everything 

Now that a large majority of indie music is awash with synthesisers, drum machines and altered vocals, live experiences can sometimes be painful.

Whilst such feats of technology sound incredible on the record, the reality can be somewhat different. If the lead singer can’t quite hack it or the band rely on samples and not their own talent, you can be left cold.

That sense of trepidation is not required when attending an Everything Everything gig however-a truly spectacular marriage of sound and vision.

The night was one of celebration for the band whose lead singer and bassist studied at Salford University. The former, Jonathan Higgs would go on to proclaim that he had “always dreamed” of playing at the o2 Apollo in Manchester, the final destination on the band’s Get To Heaven tour.

Unsurprisingly the theatre was heaving with a healthy mixture of die hard Everything Everything fans and a whole host of newcomers turned on to the band with the help of a host of radio friendly singles.

Whilst this can cause friction in the delicate ecosystem that is the fandom of a modern day indie band, it was not the case here. It certainly was a night for the newbies and a night for the band to revel in the release of their third album which came out earlier this year.

Remarkably, all 11 songs from Get To Heaven were given an airing, testament really to the immensely positive reception it has gained.

In the opening encounters, only ‘Kemosabe’, from the bands second album Arc, interrupted the likes of ‘To The Blade’ and the undeniable hook of ‘Regret’.

Early single ‘Schoolin’ proceeded a somewhat self-indulgent but mesmerising middle section which included yet more album tracks from the band’s latest release.

A basic two tiered stage set up was enhanced with an incredible display of strobe and spotlights. The light show unquestionably intensified some of the darker moments of a middle period that was impossible to take your eyes away from.

Conversely, the euphoric pop music the band are also capable of were lifted beyond imagination with the aid of the lighting. Gimmicks aside, Everything Everything can comfortably rely on their own refined talent.

Their avant-garde pop is by no means easy to pull off and the way they deliver on stage is remarkable. Their use of technology and the complete understanding of their instruments is a pleasure to watch.

They are also lucky to be blessed with a singer like Jonathan Higgs. It’s understandable that you’d have doubts as to whether he could pull off his unmistakable falsetto vocals, so it was a treat to watch him absolutely nail them live.

The night began to build to its climax when Higgs asked; “shall we do some party tunes now?” before launching into an Arc double whammy of ‘Don’t Try’ and ‘Cough Cough’.

There was also time to squeeze in 'Photoshop Handsome' from the collective’s debut album Man Alive before 'Spring / Sun / Winter / Dread closed the night'.

Briggs’ message prior to the song; “the last one, even though it isn’t the last one” let the crowd know there was yet more fun to be had. Everything Everything’s recent success has been something to behold.

Due to high demand, Piccadilly Records were still shipping pre orders of Get Me To Heaven vinyl a month after its release; this is testament to the band’s refinement of their sound.

Higgs was emotional when informing the crowd that it was eight years since the band played their first ever gig at Night and Day Café to seven people, adding that it: “sucked ass”.

This was a far cry from the elaborate Apollo theatre, which was treated to an encore beginning with the unconventionally beautiful ‘No Reptiles’, a song so artistic that us mere mortals can only admire its genius.

‘MY KZ, UR BF’, whilst a throwback, fitted perfectly amongst their new material and was no doubt a treat for those who have followed the band right from the start.

Ravey set closer ‘Distant Past’ was a sure fire excuse for the entire crowd to lose their shit and enjoy a chorus that wouldn't sound out of place on an Ibiza Anthems mixtape.

The song’s lyrics seem to be almost contradictory to the band’s progress.

With their new found success, Everything Everything seem to be leaving the distant past behind them and are beginning a crusade into art pop stardom.

Read our review of Everything Everything 'Get To Heaven'