Originally appeared online December 2016
After an impressive debut in April, 17th December saw part 2 of ‘When in Manchester’ – a musical feast bringing the hottest new artists to the best venues in the city. With 10 bands, across 2 stages, and over 8 hours of solid music – I got myself down to Ruby Lounge for a few pints and for what promised to be a “*Christmas Extravaganza*”.
Ruby Lounge as a venue is curiously spacious yet cosy- a pub-come-gig venue if you will and I was interested to see how the space would be used. Along with the main stage, there was a sweet little set up across from the bar under a large ornate mirror and this is where the day kicked off.
Early doors, Carl J North. The Derby-born singer/songwriter – appearing without his ‘Lonely Hearts’ band behind him – played a stripped back set. It was early, and so the crowds weren’t massive. A smattering of souls gathered, pints in hand, to hear North’s soulful echoey vocals. Glad to be back playing WIM, North even managed a bit of crowd-participation to end his bluesy show. A short, but sweet set and a treat of an opening act.
Behind me, the belting voice of Indigo Moon’s frontwoman Ash Colley radiated from the main stage. The Liverpool ‘fuzz-driven psychedelic rock band’, after only a mere 2 years of being together, gave a half hour performance that was hard to ignore, or forget. With punching vocals, and an almost Stevie Nicks-type persona on stage, the crowd lapped up every second as Colley and the band teased tracks from their forthcoming ‘Anatomy’ EP – one can’t help but feel this band should’ve been higher up the bill for this gig. And their energy and headbanging won them my own personal award for ‘most boomerangable band’ of the day.
With almost no time to catch my breath (or get another pint in), Sky Valley Mistress stormed the stage. A blur of long hair and tartan and f*cking rock n roll. With the early evening drawing in, the venue had filled a fair bit. Each heavy track the band put down was met with wolf whistles and cheers from the crowd. And the energy of Ruby Lounge seemed to be lifted as the band’s own flashing neon sign, hung from the front of the stage, wished us all a MERRY XMAS!
In contrast, the smaller stage brought the crowd down with the dreamy vibes of Bridie Florence. The Brighton-native was a mix of 60s folk, dream pop and hazy electric guitar. All in white, flowing hair and checkered vans on her feet – this girl was almost ethereal. And despite the growing audience watching her, I felt like this magic was lost under the murmur of the crowd. Think Laura Marling, Jeff Buckley and Lucy Rose – but then something else entirely. Sweet and enchanting. I love you Bridie.
Liberty Ship. A roundy bunch of Yorkshiremen took the main stage next. After one look at the lineup, I realised the guitarist had handed me a flyer on the way into the venue earlier..planting the seed of a promising perfomance. High energy, upbeat and funky – the frontman even broke a string in the first song, but this didn’t hinder their non-stop set. With a seemingly large fan support all out in force, modelling the band’s merch and screaming out every lyric – it was difficult not to wanna join in. It was certainly unpolished, but undoubtedably likeable. A hint of brash indie and thundering guitar solos sent the (now pretty boozed up) crowd bouncing. Liberty Ship played the venue like it was a headline gig and I, for one, would definitely like to see them again.
Next up, False Advertising. A grungy looking threesome. Their sound is a gritty take on alternative rock. There’s a nice contrast between the scuzzy, almost rauchy guitar sound and the sweetness of the vocals. Not long into their set, I overheard someone mention that frontwoman Jen is the niece of Inspiral Carpet’s Tom Hingley. An interesting little bit of trivia there. They then play a few tracks where the drummer and her swap over roles. It’s an interesting change. Their sound takes on a bit of a lazier tone, but still with a powerful punch. Tipped as Manc-grunge, its pretty obvious this three-piece are set for bigger things this next year.
To end the smaller stage’s set – Natalie McCool. Singing songs of love and heartbreak and, a particular favourite of mine, a sweet cover of the late great Greg Lake’s hit ‘I Believe in Father Christmas’ – the Widnes songbird is understated, oh so lovely and just very bloody cool. Her late evening set, draws the biggest crowd to the smaller stage and whether its the few more ciders I’d comsumed or just the bodyheat – I felt all cosy and Christmassy for the first time in the night.
By this point, I’d been here 5 hours. And it was finally time for the band I’d personally been waiting for. The Orielles. After hearing so much, it was my first chance to see them and well, they just simply didn’t disappoint. They’re one of the hottest new bands around and newly signed to Heavenly Records. Their sound sends you back to the summertime with its surf-pop and psych tones. I kinda found it impossible to take my eyes off this young band.. not even distracted by the giant bees (WIM’s mascot) buzzing around the room, cans of Red Stripe in-hand. Its their closer track ‘I Cry at Scooby Doo’ that makes the biggest impression on me. A wonderful set. Orielles, I salute you.
Another band I’d heard so much about, The Amazons, took the stage next. I say ‘took’, more like took over. A pretty big act for a young festival, I’ve heard their name favourably banded around all year. These guys had good hair, good vibes and just damn good tunes. Amazons sent the crowd truly wild as they raced through their electrifying rock and roll set. ‘In My Mind’ was a particular stand out for me, but plenty other tracks made their set the real party-starter of the festival.
It was 10 o’clock – and it was time for headliners InHeaven. Fresh from touring with local lads Blossoms, it was a treat to see this already breathtaking band play live in such a small venue. The thrashing sound reverberated off the Ruby’s walls as they roared through tracks such as signature tune ‘Treats’. It was loud, addictive and awesome. This band have swagger aplenty and it was truly a perfect way to end an amazing festival.
Topping off with a lil’ afterparty at hot new bar Jimmy’s – WIM’s Christmas offering certainly lived up to its ‘extravaganza’ promises. A phenomenal lineup and an impressive turn out – I for one can’t wait for part 3. Roll on April 2017.
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