LIVE REVIEW: Bilk, The Cheap Thrills, Northway, Manchester Academy 2, 13/02/2025
Photo Credit: Marie Lehman
Formed in Chelmsford, Essex, indie-rock trio Bilk continued their headline tour at the Academy 2 in Manchester. Having arrived at the compact venue early we managed to catch a glimpse of the first of two supporting acts taking to the stage tonight. With an average age of roughly twenty one inside the venue, the next band that took to the stage didn’t seem out of place.
Young and fresh faced, a quartet by the name Northway entered onstage looking out to what is now a sizeable crowd. The enthusiasm and excitement the band show is evident from the first note. Although individually the band have learned to play specific instruments, it’s obvious Northway need time and practice to create a specific sound and rhythm as a band. It’s clearly early days, but there is no doubting how pleased Northway were to be given the opportunity this evening. 4/10
Droves of people began to filter in and gather drinks from the bar in preparation for the arrival of the second band tonight. As the lights dimmed, there was an instant enthusiasm and energy about The Cheap Thrills as they took to the stage. From their inception in a Liverpool basement back in the early-2010’s, the quartet have supported the likes of the DMA’s, Jamie Webster and The Night Café in recent years. The indie-electro vibe is obvious from the outset tonight, and gives comparisons to early Pigeon Detectives and more recently Sea Girls. It is the first time this evening that the youthful crowd have began to move and tracks such as Reborn, Last Orders and Party stand out during the performance.
Those of a Liverpudlian heritage may recognise the name or sound of The Cheap Thrills as they have featured on Liverpool’s European football kit release, with their song Codependence. It is the final track of the set this evening, receiving the best reaction and getting the crowd warmed up for Essex trio, Bilk. 6/10
The hype around the compact venue began to build for the headline act tonight. There was just enough time for those who haven’t braved the bar prices to grab a beverage before the arrival of the headline act. Beginning with RNR, Bilk were straight into it. the mosh pit followed almost instantly.
Lead vocalist, Sol Abrahams addresses the crowd straight away, leaving just enough time to inhale breath. “Manchester, how the fuck are you? We’ll have a party tonight, yeah? This is our fourth night on the Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll Tour. This one’s called Slag”. All spoken in his energetic, excitable, Essex tone. Before launching with passion into the scar-based lyrically hilarious number Slag. Even early on in the set, it is noticeable that Bilk are a very well rehearsed and have no problems feeling comfortable and confident on-stage. Go is another punk-inspired number off the latest release, Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll that goes down well with the now excitable crowd. The energy is kept high with another punk and scar- influenced number Be Someone. However, during a short break in which the vocalist changed his guitar string, the tone is taken down a level with a song entitled Summer Days.
The main appeal of Bilk, aside from their catchy, hook-inspired rhythms, is the lyrical content. Although the sound is good tonight, at certain points the vocals continue to get lost in between the noise of the guitars and drums, which is disappointing at times. As Bilk continue to thunder at pace through the catchy numbers, the mosh-pit continues to become wider and ever more violent with each passing song. With chants of the band’s name reverberating around the venue, Abrahams addresses the boisterous crowd. “This song’s about not giving a fuck about what people think. This song’s called Fashion”, with no intention of calming things down Bilk continue to demand high energy.
The song Skid Mark certainly delivers and brings a few laughs along the way. Entertaining lyrics ‘You’re a cunt, I hate everything about you, you make my life so uneasy. ‘You think that your all charming but you’re horrible and sleazy. You’re a cunt,” ring around the venue. Needless to say the crowd picked up the lyrics and gladly join in.
Band Life Blues taken from the new album, Essex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll closes the set detailing the life of a rock band told with the hilarity that has been a staple in the set all evening.
A performance of the highest energy, confidence, and charisma this evening. 8/10
Written by: Ben Gilligan
