On a sweltering Wednesday evening, the air buzzes with anticipation as I make my way to the renowned New Century Hall in Manchester. This area, once a bastion of storied musical history, now boasts a contemporary bohemian vibe. It’s a place where echoes of legendary performances, like Jimi Hendrix’s iconic show in the ’60s, still linger in the air. Despite being a cultural cornerstone of Manchester’s vibrant music scene, this venue has somehow eluded my many concert visits. Tonight, I am here to witness the rise of Soccer Mommy, an indie sensation capturing the hearts of diverse audiences, from stalwart indie aficionados to the more eclectic music lovers of the newer hardcore scene.
As I ascend the stairs to the venue’s performance area, I am immediately struck by its modern ambience, a surprising contrast given the venue’s rich history. This initial impression is magnified as I enter the gig area, where I’m struck by a beautiful restoration of the original venue. Hundreds of intricate lights adorn the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the beautifully restored sprung wooden floor. The venue certainly has much to showcase, and it does so with pride. I make my way to the bar, asking for the cheapest pint, something I find myself doing at most venues now. I then settle into the back left corner, poised and eager for the evening’s performance to unfold.
Before the main event, the evening commences with a captivating performance by the burgeoning band Bored At My Grandma’s House. Led by frontwoman Amber Strawbridge, their sound is a delightful blend of dream-pop and indie rock, delivering an ethereal quality that immediately draws the crowd in. Amber’s soothing yet powerful vocals, combined with atmospheric guitar riffs and reverberating bass lines, create a soundscape that transports listeners to a place of introspection and nostalgia.
Tonight, Bored At My Grandma’s House illustrates why they are a band to watch. Their tracks, such as “Showers” and “Summer,” resonate effortlessly with the audience, reflecting genuine emotion and authenticity. The seamless transitions between songs and the band’s palpable chemistry highlight their potential to carve out a unique niche in the music world. It’s clear they are on the cusp of something remarkable, and their performance sets an inviting tone for the evening.
As the stage prepares for the main act, there’s a palpable excitement in the air. Soccer Mommy, the brainchild of Sophie Allison, takes the stage with an understated confidence that instantly commands attention. Known for weaving intricate narratives within her songs, Sophie’s ability to craft intimate yet universally relatable lyrics sets her apart. This ability is apparent straight from the get-go as Sophie launches into “Abigail”, setting the easy but poignant vibes for the night. The swaying audience is captivated, with each note resonating like a shared secret.
Progressing through her set, Sophie delivers a masterful blend of tracks that traverse the emotional spectrum. With “Shotgun,” the energy shifts, an electric undercurrent sparking through the room. The pulsating rhythm draws everyone closer, an unspoken connection forged by the music’s raw authenticity.
The show is not all introspection and mood, though, as it comes with moments of levity offered by Sophie herself. She engages in banter with the crowd at several points throughout the performance, ensuring that everyone emerges from whatever trance they might have been in. A particularly hilarious moment arises when she attempts to discuss sport, fitting, given the name. She initially calls it soccer, sparking a ripple of murmurs through the crowd, before swiftly correcting herself to say football. This is followed by a playful gesture from Sophie as she gives a shout-out to Man City, one of the two local football teams she could have chosen for the night. However, this does not go down well, prompting a good-natured boo from the audience. Sophie takes it all in her stride, laughing it off and amusingly pointing out that the jerseys on sale at the merchandise stand tonight mimic the Man City colours.
But the levity is once again cut as, midway through, Sophie crafts an exquisitely introspective moment with “Still Clean.” Stripped of any accompaniment, her solo performance transforms the song into an almost sacred experience. Each note hangs delicately in the air, her voice tender yet powerful, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels like a personal exchange between artist and listener. The room is enveloped in a palpable silence, each member of the audience poised on the edge of their proverbial seat, absorbing the raw vulnerability she so bravely shares. Every word she utters echoes with an emotional honesty that resonates deeply, binding the crowd in a shared moment of reflection and connection.
As the show progresses to the performance of “Your Dog,” the tempo surges once more, infusing the venue with an invigorating energy. The crowd basks in the cathartic release, the rebellious tone of the song vibrating through the charged air like a lightning bolt. The music is a unifying force, breaking down barriers and allowing the audience to revel in a shared sense of liberation. With each defiant note, the room pulses with an unspoken synergy, seamlessly building towards the poignant conclusion that awaits.
As the final notes of “Salt in Wound” drift through the venue, the applause that erupts is thunderous, a living testament to the profound connection Sophie has fostered throughout the evening. Each clap, each cheer is a tribute to the emotions laid bare, to the stories shared. The encore, commencing with “Evergreen” and transitioning to the heartfelt strains of “Don’t Ask Me,” serves as an eloquent close. The songs leave the audience suspended in a state of reflective reverie, each person silently contemplating the night’s journey.
As I gradually exit the venue, the serene atmosphere begins to dissipate, giving way to the lively, bustling streets of Manchester. Although the tranquil vibe doesn’t extend beyond the venue’s doors, a sense of calm remains within me after the evening’s events, an experience that will linger in my memory. Should you have the opportunity to see Soccer Mommy live, seize it; you will not be disappointed.
