American rock band New Year's Day finished off their UK tour over the weekend with a jam-packed show in Manchester. The band, accompanied by Fearless Vampire Killers and Conquer Divide, hadn’t been to the UK for five years and were keen to get back to performing for their international fans, especially to showcase music from their most recent album, "Half Black Heart," released in 2024.
Fearless Vampire Killers kicked things off with a burst of energy. Coming out of Beccles, the band took the stage in striking blue shirts and bulletproof vests, ready to perform. Their set showcased their signature blend of early 2000s pop-rock, reminiscent of soundtracks from horror comedy films like "Jennifer's Body." They grabbed the crowd's attention with a heavy bass drum, followed by guitar breakdowns and the sound of their two lead vocalists. This unique dual-vocalist approach allowed for a refreshing and diverse sound, with each singer taking the lead depending on the song. A definite highlight was their electrifying performance of "Neon in the Dance Halls," a danceable rock anthem with deeply meaningful lyrics that unfolded like an immersive story. The entire band engaged the audience, getting everyone on their feet and jumping. Fearless Vampire Killers closed their set by warmly expressing their gratitude to New Year's Day and their excitement about the tour.
Conquer Divide, an international band filled with girl power, took the stage next. Already a favorite with some in the audience, expectations were high, and they delivered. Their powerful presence was immediately felt, inciting mosh pits and sparking conversations with their social commentary. The band's vocal performance was captivating, incorporating echo effects that enhanced, rather than overshadowed, the impressive live vocals. Their screams were strong and controlled, while their clean singing was almost like rock and mystical meeting. Many of their songs address personal injustices, a theme conveyed through both their lyrics and their performance, leaving a lasting impression. Conquer Divide also demonstrated their professionalism when faced with technical difficulties. They used the brief intermission to connect with the crowd, sharing stories of their travels and maintaining their high energy throughout the set.
New Year's Day brought the night to a close. The energized crowd, eager to see the headliners,broke out iiton cheers as the house lights went and the stage was bathed in a striking red glow. A pulsing bass built anticipation before the band members finally took the stage, and the roar of the crowd reached a high as lead singer Ash Costello made her entrance. Formed back in 2005, the band released their new album “Half Black Heart” in early 2024, featuring tracks ranging from tech metal to high-energy singalongs. This UK tour marked the first time the band had showcased this new music live, a fact they acknowledged, noting the effort and expense of the tour. Their opening track, “Vampyre,” highlighted Costello's powerful and expressive vocals, setting the stage for a promising night. In some songs, emotional delivery took precedence over perfect pitch, a deviation from the studio versions that, while noticeable, added some depth to the performance. This was further exemplified during “Shut Up.” Introduced as a song for the women in the audience, the male band members froze during the impactful verses, allowing Costello to command the stage as a powerful female rock singer. This element, a rarity in rock performances beyond the occasional headbanging, was a pleasant surprise.
New Year's Day undoubtedly gained fans with their cover of Kelhani's “Gangsta.” The stage lighting, a mix of purples and greens, created a Joker-esque atmosphere, and although they only had a small space to work with, it certainly became immersive. Costello's stage presence and physicality are captivating, often mirrored but never overshadowed by her bandmates. The band also prioritized audience engagement, consistently finding ways to make the crowd feel like a part of the show, not just spectators. They expressed sincere appreciation for Manchester and everyone in attendance, even requesting the house lights be raised so they could truly see and acknowledge those who had traveled to be there. New Year's Day also experienced some technical difficulties due to the heat in the venue affecting their equipment. However, they maintained their professionalism and didn't let it diminish their energy, keeping the crowd engaged.
From the high-energy pop-rock of Fearless Vampire Killers to the powerful, socially conscious Conquer Divide, the evening was a testament to the vibrant energy of the rock scene. New Year's Day capped off the night with an engaging performance, showcasing their new music and proving their connection with their fans, even overcoming technical challenges. The Manchester show served as a powerful reminder of the appeal of live music and the dedication of bands like these to their craft and their audiences. It is clear the band have grown as the years have gone by, honing in on all they have learned from the industry.
Words: Kira Lashmar
Photos: Izzy Scott
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