By Jase Walker
Every now and then, although far more frequently in 2023, a lineup is put together that really nails exactly what you’re into at a given time and tonight’s show at Rebellion is absolutely it. Siamese, a real long time favourite of mine with their emotional, passionate take on metalcore. Resolve, a band that blew me away with their energetic live show still quite recently at Rebellion. Senna and Odd Palace, both bands who I’ve come across on Spotify recommendations last year and both blew my mind. Tonight is going to be special to say the least.
It’s a four band bill tonight so this means generally shorter sets and pretty bloody fast changeovers, but it’s time to get started with Odd Palace! Seeing the singer sporting a VOLA tee and getting straight in with tapped melodies and fat riffs, this is exactly how I wanted to get tonight started. Some parts strongly remind me of Port Noir in the way that the mix of riffs, grooves and focus on clean vocals just sounds that little bit sexy. They don’t stay still for very long either, every stringsman as well as the vocalist dance around each other with some near misses here and there but ultimately looks like they’re having a ton of fun doing it, I also don’t think I’ve ever seen a mini trumpet thing like their singer played briefly before. Absurdly energetic, and a ton of fun to watch, great opener.
Shortly after finishing setting up their equipment, Senna waste very little time getting straight into it and kicking off with the song that drew me to them in the first place, ‘Rosehip’. They sound bloody massive, each guitar is bright, the bass and drums storming and the vocals dead centre, fantastic. Their brilliant mix of metalcore riffs and mathy guitar work comes across brilliantly in this venue, it’s absolutely the right environment! Their sound live reminds me strongly of a mix between Kadinja and Novelists and with every bit of energy of the both of them. Nothing like a treat for seeing these live for the first time as well, new unreleased songs! The first was ‘Bodyguard’, I’m not sure about the other, but still a great insight into what’s coming next and I can’t wait to hear more from these!
Following a lovely crowd singalong to A-Ha’s ‘Take On Me’, it’s Resolve‘s turn to amp things up for the night, along with their own set of strobes for the set, I don’t doubt I’ll be squinting for a lot of this set. They’ve got the first pit of the night going wild right next to me but I’m determined not to give this spot up because it’s a real sweet spot for sound and being close to the stage! It’s certainly one way to welcome Resolve back to Manchester, and the energy they’re giving in this performance is reflected directly back at the band with the crowd going absolutely wild! One thing Resolve has in spades though, is the ear for writing a riff that goes as hard every bit as the best of them. Solid mix of melody in there for good measure, but Resolve wants you losing your shit and that’s exactly what they’re getting!
‘Seasick Sailor’, the massive banger that caught my ear last time I saw them, gets an instant crowd reaction this time, bracing myself for impacts from the pit right now. Also good to see the singer from Senna getting stuck into the crowd right next to me as well, g’wan son! It’s fantastic seeing how much more of a response they’re getting on their return to this venue; I mean last time was still great but we’ve clearly got a lot more Resolve t-shirts on display and people screaming the words while slamming into each other. It’s also pretty amusing seeing the bands confused look as people randomly break out into “fuck the Tories” chants. A triumphant return to Manchester for Resolve, the city has welcomed them back with open arms.
Somewhere out of the corner of the venue, I hear a loud cheer and the room goes dark, it’s time for Siamese! I’m quite happy they’re headlining in this instance!
Opening with ‘Numb’ is getting this set off on the right foot too! Although I wish I could say I don’t feel a thing when someone slams into me from the other side of the pit but nope! That hurt a bit!
Siamese deliver every time I see them; whether it’s a short set or not, the energy is always high, and with bangers like ‘Holy’ in the set, it’s always go time! They’ve brought a backup singer with them just in case their singer has to suddenly ditch as he’s said he’s due to be a new father very soon; they’ve brought him up for ‘BANANAS’ anyway, big bop this!
‘Shape of Water’ continues their trend of poppy numbers with massive breakdowns and I’m having to keep one eye on the chaos that’s kicking off behind me. Following it up with one of my favourites, ‘Can’t Force The Love’ and I think I might be speaking a bit hoarse tomorrow after screaming the chorus! There’s a real subtle beauty to seeing Siamese in an intimate setting like Rebellion, don’t get me wrong they were superb on a massive stage supporting Wage War but getting them right in your face like this is something special. Another one to scream back at the band, ‘Erase My Mind’, massive chorus but bringing their backup singer back for ‘Sloboda’ is a master stroke.
We do however, get a three song encore of ‘Heights Above’, ‘Home’ and ‘Ocean Bed’, probably the best send off they could have done.
This show was everything I hoped it’d be, all four bands brought their best even this far through the tour and I loved every minute!
- Photos by Anthony Arbet.
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