Photo Credit: Charles Cave
Ever since their debut album To Lose My Life caused a storm, and was played in practically every bedroom throughout 2008, White Lies have kept the macabre lyrics and the driving rhythms that earned them notoriety. However, six albums later the obvious influences remain; Joy Division, Editors and Talking Heads. More interesting though, are the sounds and influences on recent albums; Big TV (2013), and Friends (2017) , think The Killers, Franz Ferdinand. So, having evolved in musical style yet maintaining the earworm melodies of old, White Lies continue their UK tour at Manchester’s Gorilla tonight. Here’s to hoping for a varied night of music.
Support comes from London based singer-songwriter Lewis Knaggs. Being an independent artist, Lewis has written, recorded and produced all his own work which he mentions was a cathartic process for him. Song writing is a process of discovery for him, placing an emphasis on transportive natives, rich with feeling and emotion. This is no more evident on opening track I’ll Survive where the emotion he so candidly writes about can be seen etched on his face.
The intimate venue is sparsely populated when Knaggs takes to the stage. Nevertheless, this does not stop the people in attendance from noticing his dominating vocal which engulfs the room. Looking incredibly comfortable with his surroundings, Knaggs addresses the audience. “Second night in a row, big up White Lies for having me. White Lies have always been a massive band in my life. This next song is called Feel Forever”.
The driving rhythms on Feel Forever are akin to those of Sam Fender and the vocal performance continues to improve with every passing track. Lewis Knaggs is clearly an emotionally connected person and finds comfort in writing about his experiences. As he explained to a now bustling venue. “This next song is about my father who passed away sadly last year. I seem to be writing a lot of songs about death recently, and White Lies kind of inspired that”. He then begins My Father which takes the tone of the evening down a level. Despite the emotion Knaggs must be feeling he delivers a strong and powerful performance that receives a good reaction from the crowd. The singer-songwriter addresses the crowd one more time, before playing his final tracks. “I’ve got two more for you then I’m out of here, it’s time for White Lies after that”. An accomplished performance by a confident and talented singer-songwriter. 6/10
The atmosphere and tension continues to increase inside the cramped venue, as the imminent arrival of White Lies approaches. The sudden influx of people means that moving is an almost impossible task. Position assumed, we await the headline act. An eruption of noise greets the arrival of White Lies alongside intense neon strobe lighting. The haunting vocals of lead vocalist, Harry McVeigh encapsulate the venue on first song Big TV. The crowd need no introduction to respond. Instantly the entire venue has arms aloft singing every word. As if encouragement was needed, McVeigh exclaims “Manchester, get your hands in the air!”.
Almost without hesitation the band continue the thunderous pace by rocking into There Goes Our Love Again. The infectious rhythms White Lies are known for keep the atmosphere going. An animated audience not wanting to stop for breath as they continue to scream the lyrics. McVeigh pauses during songs to address the crowd, “Manchester how are you? I’m seeing many of you for the second night. We’re playing these albums in order, this is a great nostalgia trip for us. The next song is Mother Tongue.”
The frantic energy is calmed when White Lies begin Change. A haunting piano-led number that instils a moment of calm around the venue and an opportunity for band and audience alike to regain there breath momentarily.
The only question so far tonight concerns the size of the venue. With such a polished and professional performance so far, surely a larger venue would be fitting.
Getting Even invigorates the crowds singing voices once more this evening. After a brief break in proceedings, in which McVeigh explains the band will be playing more White Lies tracks when they return on stage.
The bands return on stage is marked by playing the insanely popular track Farewell To The Fairground. The chant ‘Keep on running, there’s no place like home‘ reverberates around the bursting venue. McVeigh’s vocal performance tonight has been near note perfect, the same goes for the rest of the band. Driving and thunderously catchy melodies from the very beginning. “Manchester it’s been such a pleasure to relive these albums with you. This last song is called Death.” exclaims McVeigh. Arguably, the most popular song of a stellar back catalogue gets the raucous reaction it deserves.
It brings what has been a frantic night of anthemic music to a fitting close. 8/10
Written by: Ben Gilligan
