Music

Review: Moose Blood move towards huge future via a sold-out UK tour

Moose Blood caught the attention of music tastemakers following the release of 2014’s debut album I’ll Keep You in Mind, From Time to Time.

On the cusp of their sold-out UK tour last week, the band announced their follow-up, Blush, new single Honey AND their signing to Hopeless Records.

Tonight, Manchester’s Sound Control plays host to the ever-growing emo force, as the rickety wooden floor of the upstairs venue feels the weight of a sold-out crowd. It wasn’t long ago that Moose Blood were supporting Man Overboard at the same venue, but it’s Greywind and The Winter Passing who play the role of supports this time around.

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Both Greywind and The Winter Passing open with a bang, but it’s Irish duo Greywind who best capture the attention of the early comers. The band’s pop-rock sound lends itself perfectly to the night’s vibe, and Steph O’Sullivan’s awe-inspiring vocals suggest she could soon find herself on the same level as heavyweights such as PVRIS’ Lynn Gunn.

The lights dim as Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Want to Have Fun plays over the PA. As unassuming as ever, Moose Blood take up their spots under the neon pink lights and open with Swim Down, swiftly followed with Pups and new track, Honey. The setlist is heavy on songs from the band’s debut, although a rare outing of Girl from 2014’s Departures split EP and another new song, Glow, are enough to please fans hoping for fresh material.

Moose Blood - Honey (Official Music Video)

Usually quite subdued on stage, frontman Eddy Brewerton is in a surprisingly talkative mood, and tugs at the crowd’s heartstrings numerous times. “This song means the world to me, I have a little one at home and I miss her a lot today,” Eddy says before a moving performance of Cherry in which everyone in the venue throws every single word right back at him.

Following the announcement of their second album, another UK tour in October, and performances such as this, it’s clear that Moose Blood are here to stay.

Words: Daniel Rourke
Moose Blood, Sound Control – Manchester, 20/04/16