Live Review: Lower Than Atlantis / We Are The Ocean / PVRIS – Manchester Academy 2, 14.04.2015


Openers Pvris brought a barrage of synth infected pop-rock tracks from their debut album White Noise (2014). Ironically starting out with Smoke, which quite literally was the only thing that clouded over the bands performance. “Can you cut the smoke? We’re not that cool” vocalist Lyndsey Gunnulfsen stated however the intensity of the smoke didn’t prove too much of a problem as the band scorched through the mysteriously dark electronic sounds of Mirrors and the thunderous drum driven Fire. Lyndsey’s vulnerable yet magnetic vocals completely shine over the minimalistic sounds of White Noise which was irrevocably more organic live than it is on record, much like the contagious swelling symphonic melodies of My House which brought the blistering set to a close. Lyndsey is a star in the making, exuding undeniable likeability and charm and even through the barrage of smoke their whole stage presence radiated confidence. This band are set for massive things in the coming years.

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We Are The Ocean are a band that have paved their way for a while, their shaky start to tonight’s set however didn’t hinder their performance. The guitar heavy Do It Together made up for the technical difficulties at the start and Liam Cromby’s soaring, gritty vocals round off the set up into a pleasant live experience. Young Heart, Bleed and Waiting Room sparked some feisty and hearty sing alongs, however there was a surge of newer unreleased tracks from their upcoming album Ark which had a few standstill moments but the tracks had a certain potential and offered fans a taste of what’s to come.

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Headliners Lower Than Atlantis are known for their vast array of rock anthems, their 2014 self-titled release was different to say the least, it was bolder, more mature and gave a different side to the band. Entering the stage to the Star Wars theme song, they kicked off in fashion with Criminal taken from that exact album. Vocalist Mike Duce had a certain command over the audience which was not overly smug but his cheeky vibes drift into each and every song. Marilyn’s Mansion was a short, fast paced throwback to their second album, keeping the crowd on their feet for the entire minute and a half.

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During Another Sad Song, Duce was dead centre in the crowd, acoustic guitar in hand and microphone in front, surrounded by a few fans who’d taken to sitting on the floor for a very personal and intimate play through. Here We Go, from their recent self-titled album is the pinnacle of where the band are today; confident, catchy and a little bit cocky. They know exactly how to transfer their tracks live and deliver them to a partially intoxicated audience and Here We Go was a perfect end to a solid performance.

Photos courtesy of Erin Moore at Forte Photography UK: Facebook / Twitter / Website

Lower Than Atlantis: Facebook / Twitter / Website

We Are The Ocean: Facebook / Twitter / Website

PVRIS: Facebook / Twitter / Website

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