
Graham Clark
Music Features Writer
5:34 AM 27th October 2024
arts
Review
Blossoms Bloom In Halifax
![Blossoms
Photo: Graham Clark]()
Blossoms
Photo: Graham Clark
Imagine getting the chance to open up for one of the biggest bands in the country, and what an amazing opportunity that would be—even more so when it is in your home town.
The lucky occasion that awaited new and emerging artist Ellur at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax was swiftly accomplished with an engaging set. With her band dressed almost identically, the Yorkshire act gave the impression that they owned the stage. With a touch of mime that recalled Kate Bush and some memorable songs such as
God Help Me Now, those who had arrived at the gig early had witnessed an inspiring performance.
Red Rum Club captured the attention of the Halifax audience, leaving them feeling as though they were the featured act. The lively audience demonstrated familiarity with their repertoire during a brief set, and by the time the Liverpool band concluded their performance with
Would You Rather Be Lonely?, they had successfully warmed up the audience.
Since forming in 2013, Blossoms have enjoyed widespread success and acclaim. Their 2016 debut Blossoms topped the album charts for two consecutive weeks and went on to earn the band BRIT Award and Mercury Prize nominations, while the new album, Gary, debuted at Number One on the album chart.
![Ellur
Photo: Graham Clark]()
Ellur
Photo: Graham Clark
With the new album being one of their finest, containing a mix of pop and true stories, the band was confident enough to perform at least eight tracks from it. Blossoms' frontman Tom Ogden, at times reminiscent of Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker's stage moves, is one of the best. He and the band cultivated the art of making everything appear spontaneous and natural, starting from the opening sequence where Ogden struck a photographic pose.
“Hello Halifax, we are Blossoms from Stockport." Ogden bellowed, not that the audience were unaware of the band as they yelled along to the majority of Blossoms take on indie pop—some with a dash of funk, especially on the new track
I Like Your Look, mixing Chic and elements of Human League with ease.
This joyful and almost cathartic occasion was an event that many of those present will remember for years to come, including the appearance of Gary, the six-foot model Gorilla that inspired the title of the new album. As Gary was duly wheeled on stage, the band played on as the atmosphere became even more intense.
By the time they encored with
Charlemagne, the singing from the audience grew even louder. The chance to see Blossoms in smaller venues again appears to be a distant one. After tonight’s electrifying and joyful performance, it might be a good idea to make the time to see them in a more intimate setting while you can.
Blossoms play the following northern concerts:
19th November - Academy, Manchester
20th November- Ritz, Manchester
21st November- Albert Hall, Manchester
22nd November- Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
23rd November - Apollo, Manchester
21st June - Delamere Forest
10th July - Scarborough Open Air Theatre