The saying goes that May flowers will follow April showers - and we've certainly had a lot of rain in Manchester over the last month.
But, just as precipitation leads to beauty in the horticultural world, the same principle applies musically. In April, Manchester has been showered with brilliant small acts and festivals.
That will pave the way for a blooming of the city's scene in May, just before the whole circus goes on to various fields and farms across Britain for the summer festival season. May, in some ways, is the end of the annual opening season of gigs - with another run from September to November.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
Let's not wish away the year, though. April's seen some great acts - from the voodoo Swedes of Goat, to the 'you and me against the world' prowess of Trampolene, and the up-and-comers which could spark a surf-rock revival.
We've done our best to capture the best of the best at our grassroots venues. Here are the best gigs in Manchester from April 2023.
Are you small band playing a show? Fancy being featured in the MEN? Email ethan.davies@reachplc.com with details of your gig, and a bit about yourselves, to be considered for a gig guide.
Fair Play - Northern Quarter venues - April 1
The Northern Quarter's independent venues hosted an array of experimental artists as April kicked off with Fair Play festival. The all-dayer describes itself as an 'equal opportunity for all and a communal, collaborative event', featuring a 'fair', 'accessible' and 'diverse' line-up.
But most of all, the event which took over Gullivers, Night & Day Café, Soup, The Castle, and The Peer Hat was a chance for weird and wonderful musicians - some from Manchester, others from further afield - to display their art in daylight. The music was varied, from the folk-inspired Otis Jordan to the euphoric electronic sounds of Carmel Smickersgill with every flavour of experimental in between and some late-night karaoke before bed.
Bristol-based Grove headlined Night & Day at midnight after arriving at Manchester Airport without any equipment following an error by their airline. But the genre-bending music maker's frustration at the technical difficulties on stage was channelled into a passionate performance - albeit one they'd probably say would have been better with more bass.
The sound was not quite right for nine-piece Mandrake Handshake either as the band who originated in Oxford had so much going on, it was hard to hear each element. They were followed by KEG - a merry band of men whose awful hats distracted from their fun style.
Of the bigger names on the bill, Silverbacks' performance at The Peer Hat was among the most impressive - but their four guitars and drums meant earplugs were strongly advised. The festival finished off with an opportunity for the audience to showcase their own talent at karaoke where some may have fancied themselves to be booked for next year's festival.
Let's hope the organisers did not treat this dramatic late-night drunken display as an audition.
Eels - Albert Hall - April 3
You never quite know which version of Eels you’re going to get, as recent followers of their Manchester travails can attest. There's been the tracksuited and rocking on the Wonderful, Glorious tour in 2013, three-piece-suited and melancholy at the Bridgewater Hall a year later - ruffled by the England v. Colombia penalty shootout interrupting their Academy show in 2018 - and then followed rollicking show at the Albert Hall a year later.
This UK tour marks their post-pandemic return to the stage, and they appear to have plenty of pent-up energy to burn, especially with two new records, Earth to Dora and Extreme Witchcraft, having landed in the interim. To begin with, though, they’re on playful form, joking about their newly-acquired Apple Watches - with ‘EXERCISE GOAL ACHIEVED’ flashing up on the backdrop at intervals throughout the show.
Musically, mercurial frontman E, guitarist The Chet, bassist Big Al, and drummer Little Joe fired through a furious set that is heavy on rock and roll strut, especially on the deep groove of ‘Peach Blossom’, but left space for reflection, particularly in the gorgeous early one-two of ‘Jeannie’s Diary’ and ‘3 Speed’, but in the main, this is Eels turning back the clock to reclaim their rock crown.
Black Honey - Gorilla - April 4
Grungy beats and cathartic lyricism from Black Honey made for an empowering night at Gorilla this April. The Brighton rockers reeled off an immense setlist, featuring 20 tracks from their eight-year back catalogue.
‘Heavy’ and ‘OK’ were stand-out songs from latest album A Fistful Of Peaches, both translating spectacularly into a live sound. Fan favourites ‘Spinning Wheel’ and ‘Back of the Bar’ had their moments too, as the venue buzzed with renewed energy.
Effortlessly commanding the attention of the crowd, frontwoman Izzy Bee Phillips was truly mesmerising. She candidly sang about mental health and the woes of love - her vulnerability making her all the more likeable - before bringing the set to a close with one of the smoothest crowd surfs I'd ever seen.
Big Thief - Apollo - April 7
In ascending to this size of room, there’s a sense of Big Thief fulfilling their indie rock destiny. They already feel like Manchester old hands, having worked their way up from the basement of Soup in the Northern Quarter to the grandeur of the Albert Hall, via a show at The Ritz where they largely played unreleased material and a memorable solo show from singer Adrianne Lenker at Yes.
It helps that the group have been on a roll, too. After two unnervingly assured albums, Masterpiece and Capacity, last year’s epic Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You is where it all came together, full of kaleidoscopic ambition and sonic invention.
That new material came alive on stage, from the quietly unfurling majesty of opening one-two of ‘Change’ and ‘Certainty’ to the country jangle of ‘Blue Lightning’ and, later, a raucous, heavy take on the title track. Elsewhere, the epic ‘Not’ is among the standouts, as is the slick new track ‘Vampire Empire’, only adding to the sense that the Apollo has just witnessed a band cement their place in the indie rock big leagues.
Trampolene - Yes - April 12
Swansea’s Trampolene follow the blueprint for engaging and intimate live music. Aided by the lack of physical barrier at Yes, the show reflected the connection between the band and their fans, as lead singer Jack Jones conversed with the audience throughout.
It was a rewarding experience for both band and fan. For the fan, there was a healthy mix of cultural and political commentary, poetry, guitar-driven rock - and jokes. And for the band, fans sang back the lyrics to stand out tracks including ‘Ketamine’ and ‘Shoot The Lights’, as well as the poem ‘Poundland’.
They swapped out the lyrics to ‘Together’ for ‘Manchester’ - a fitting tribute to a city home to so many of their fans. Make sure you catch them next time they’re in town.
Holiday Ghosts - Yes - April 13
A colourful banner promoting the artwork of their new album Absolute Reality provided the backdrop for Holiday Ghosts as they took to the stage in the basement at Yes. It fittingly reflected the cheery East-coast vibe of the Brighton-based band.
Opening with ‘Favourite Freak’, the band brought a preppy energy to the stage and the crowd were soon bopping along. Despite the grungy feel of the basement, the Holiday Ghosts created a joyful atmosphere with their upbeat songs.
But the real highlight of the gig was Katja Rackin’s tight drumming, especially during the song ‘Vulture’. It’s fair to say Holiday Ghosts live up to their name: they have a sunny sound but with a moody and haunting undercurrent.
The Bug Club — White Hotel — April 14
Flying through their set a breakneck speed, The Bug Club did justice to their band name with a buzzy little set. With all the energy of a Catherine Wheel on Bonfire Night, the Monmouthshire trio took to the former garage venue to spin through their fresh and bouncy take on a raw, reverb-laden, 1960s sound.
Smart lyrics and swaying surf-rock riffs aside, the crowning achievement of this band is the combination of their vocalists. The deep, sometimes monotonal drawl of Sam Willmett is lifted by the wispy harmonies of bandmate Tilly Harris, like a cheerier, far more Welsh edition of Jack and Meg White.
At home in a friendly arena like the White Hotel, The Bug Club is carving out a space as a post-punk outfit that - finally - doesn't take itself too seriously. It's blink-and-you'll-miss-it snappy, but sweet as honey in its charm.
Goat — Club Academy — April 20
Currently based in Gothenburg, Goat hail from Korpilombolo in Sweden which, according to the band's own publicity, has a history of voodoo worship thanks to a witch doctor who came and lived there. True to form, the seven members appear on stage adorned in a range of robes and veils with the two frontwomen wrapped in shimmering garments while wearing bejewelled headpieces and tasseled masks.
With Western instruments, the group create an Eastern sound with voodoo vibes and a fuzzy feeling throughout. The whole performance, which was moved from Gorilla to Club Academy, is a sight to behold - not least because of their folky frocks.
During the encore, one audience member makes his way the front of the crowd. "Excuse me," he says," I just want an eyeball." Seconds later he turns around in awe with a smile beaming across his bearded face. "I'm going," he says, sounding satisfied, "I've had my fill."
DMA's — Apollo — April 20
Prior to their headline slot at Manchester’s historic Apollo, DMA’s guitarist Johnny Took said of the city ‘there’s no other place like it’ - and obviously we have to agree.
The Aussie three-piece are no strangers to the Manchester crowd, selling out venues across the city including the Victoria Warehouse, Manchester Academy, and Night and Day Cafe previously. Their gig on April 20, celebrating the release of their latest LP ‘How Many Dreams?’, was a step up from previous Mancunian exploits, as the band headlined a sold-out Apollo for the very first time.
That's because DMA's shows are a music fan melting pot - there are Britpop parents, indie students, and dance fans congregating - making it an exciting mix to be in.
That's only turbo-charged by Johnny, Matt, and Tommy delivering a relentless set, littered with fan favourites like ‘Delete’ and ‘Tape Deck Sick’, alongside tracks from more recent offerings.
DMA’s return to Manchester for a special intimate acoustic show at Gorilla - and we can’t wait.
Aldous Harding — Albert Hall — April 20
"I'm open - I want to be here, but I will do it my way," Aldous Harding announces, limbering up with an acoustic guitar and eyeing the Albert Hall audience enigmatically. "That's what we're here for, right?"
So far, so cryptic, but it's all in keeping with fascinating New Zealand singer-songwriter Harding's modus operandi of melodic, intriguing but off-kilter folk. Touring her fourth album, 2022's Warm Chris, Harding begins with the LP's first three songs, 'Ennui', 'Tick Tock', and 'Fever' showcase her shape-shifting voice - by turns emotive, slurred, child-like or peevishly nasal - and tight but sparse arrangements tied to inscrutable lyrics.
Backed by a four-piece band, including tonight's fine support H Hawkline on guitar, the self-described "song actor" paces the floor in a black kimono dress with a dislocated, almost gurning presence. The audience is noticeably attentive, saving the best reception for bouncy singles The Barrel and Old Peel, which she delivers while rapping insistently on a china mug with a drumstick.
Despite her 'doing it my way' statement some in the crowd want Harding to start chatting. "We don't know what to say to you," one calls out plaintively. Harding considers the point then gives the half-reply: "I'm busy."
Waxahatchee — New Century — April 21
A special seated show is quite the treat on a Friday night which follows a long working week, but there's always a risk of drifting off - especially when all there is to see on stage is one woman with her guitar. Australian support act Indigo Sparke has the same set up as the headliner from whom she entertains the audience with a sombre sounding set using just her delicate voice and acoustic guitar.
When Katie Crutchfield, the woman behind Waxahatchee, appears on stage, she is dressed in baggy blue clothes with her long dark hair on display. It's been a long time since she's performed in Manchester and she's released lots of music since her last tour came here.
On record, that new music features a full band behind her at-times Alanis Morissette style vocals - but tonight, she's just armed with an acoustic guitar. The stripped-back versions of her songs allow her powerful voice to shine, captivating the crowd throughout.
Pieces of confetti fall periodically from the ceiling of the New Century Hall throughout the performance adding to the atmosphere. But the warmth in the room is in fact radiating form the audience members who respond to every song with appreciation and awe.
Hockey Dad - Band on the Wall - April 22
Contemporary post-punk band Dust warmed up the packed out venue with their unique blend of thrilling guitar riffs, eerie synths, and jazzy melodies. The crowd was mesmerised by their sound, but when Hockey Dad arrived on stage, the tone shifted to a lighthearted and playful vibe.
'Incredible by General Levy' blasted through the PA to introduce the surf rock band, instantly letting everyone in the venue know they were in for a fun night. The set up was simple - drums, bass and an electric guitar accompanied with lead and backup vocals - but the noise Hockey Dad produced filled Band on the Wall with electric energy.
Fan favourites such as 'I Need A Woman', 'Seaweed', and 'Join The Club' were met with a roaring crowd singing every word, whilst brand new unreleased tracks hooked in the audience from start to finish. "Once we get our s**t together we’ll have the record out soon", shouted Billy Fleming behind the drums.
An encore saw the enthusiasm of the room explode, with both Hockey Dad and Dust emerging back on stage to cover 'Cut Your Hair' by Pavement. Mosh pits, stage invaders, and crowd surfing elevated the atmosphere as Hockey Dad closed a very special night that fans will remember for a long time.
Sounds from the Other City - Salford venues - April 30
It's Bank Holiday Sunday, and something special is happening in Salford. Pubs, clubs, old warehouses and mills and even a church - almost all within half a mile of each other - have been transformed and taken over by creatives, mostly from the North of England.
Anyone claiming to know more than a handful of acts listed on the line up is probably lying - but discovering new things is what Sounds from the Other City is all about. That includes exploring spaces you never knew existed, even if you've long lived locally.
Among the relatively unknown artists on the bill, one more familiar face is spotted upstairs at the Old Pint Pot. Faith Vern, the frontwoman of Manchester band PINS, appears in the first ever show for The Faux Faux, an indie band that ticks all the boxes.
Downstairs, electronic music-maker Caitlin LM dazzles during the Fluff x Tales From Other Worlds takeover with a set consisting of delicate vocals, pulsating synths, strings and a saxophone. At St Philip's Church, Honeyglaze are bringing ethereal energy while the party continues at Bexley Square where the outdoor stage that showcased spoken word during day is taken over by DJs in the dark.
TC & the Groove Family - 10-piece collective influenced by afrobeat, breakbeats and jungle - have everyone jumping at Hot Bed Press, before Me Gusta Collective's Afrodance and Drumming Showcase. The second room at fivefourstudios gets busy for Jessica Winter, while the bar upstairs - a hidden gem by all accounts - is serving swanky cocktails and certified bangers on the decks.
Later, in the main room of the photography-studio-cum-music-venue, Deptford Northern Soul are spinning singles beneath colour projections. Watching everyone dance so freely is quite a spectacle and sums up the feeling of the whole festival - it's judgement-free.
READ NEXT:
- ‘Affordable’ London steakhouse chain is planning a new restaurant on Deansgate
- From youth clubs to headlining Parklife: How Manchester helped pioneer hip hop
- 'When it's gone it's gone': New-York inspired Manchester restaurant shuts after less than a year
- Canadian woman feels 'cheated' after trying Tim Hortons in Manchester
- Alton Towers gives sneak peek at new Nemesis roller coaster as track arrives at theme park
