Northern Irish rockers Two Door Cinema Club were responsible for some of the biggest hits of the 2010s. Their debut album Tourist History spawned indie club staples including upbeat bop ‘Something Good Can Work’ and ‘Undercover Martyn’.
Whilst you may not recognise the names of their songs, you’ll definitely have found yourself singing along to some of their trademark infectious melodies, which have been featured as soundtracks to some of the biggest films and TV series of the last decade. The Inbetweeners, Chalet Girl, The Vampire Diaries and Teen Wolf all played host.
Since forming in 2007, the band have gone on to become cult indie heroes. Now with five LPs under their belt, they are bringing this summer’s Sounds of the City at Castlefield Bowl to a close, as the festival’s Sunday headliners.
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The Manchester crowd who got down to the canal-side venue early for support acts The Royston Club and fellow indie stalwarts Sundara Karma were treated to a dose of evening sunshine, a welcome break from the downpours we’ve been having the last few days.
Despite having to leave the stage for ten minutes pretty swiftly after they stepped out due to tech issues, Sundara karma returned to cheers from their loyal following. ‘Flame’ and ‘She Said’ were standouts whilst there was a warm welcome for new single ‘Friends of Mine’.
In contrast to last night’s Hacienda Classical gig, the rain relents and the outdoor venue remains dry as the headliners emerge on stage.
Two Door Cinema Club are met with applause before launching into high energy set opener ‘This Is The Life’ before ‘I Can Talk’ and ‘Are We Ready?’ Manchester is back in full party mode as lead singer Alex introduces their new song ‘Wonderful Life’.
It is great to see the trio back on stage together, after they were forced to cancel their European tour last year due to the health of bassist Kevin Baird. In a statement released in September, Baird explained he was receiving treatment for an “incurable autoimmune disease”.
Manchester is treated to two tracks from their latest album ‘Keep On Smiling’ as well as a rundown of the band’s greatest hits.‘Changing of the Seasons’ and ‘Next Year’ are both standouts which are met with cheers when the first few notes are played, sending shockwaves of energy through the front of the standing area. I presume many like myself are transported into teenage nostalgia.
Alex thanks the Manchester crowd and declares they have “a couple left in the tank” just as the rain makes a return. The band finished with singalong favourites ‘Sleep Alone’ and ‘Something Good Can Work’.
It is the perfect send off for another year of an incredible set of gigs at Castlefield Bowl - roll on Sounds of the City 2024!
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