Text by Snaz Craig
Photos by Celia Medina
Earlier this month, NX Newcastle, opened its doors to an excited collective of music fans eager to embrace the kinetic energies of the critically acclaimed sonic visionaries Everything Everything.
Female-trio Prima Queen proved to be a wonderful opener with their upbeat alternative indie, with a sound reminiscent of Cat Ryan… Except happier! Stepping on stage to a rapturous applause, Everything Everything take their positions; resplendent in a cinematic backdrop of vibrant lighting, casting a multitude of colours and shadows which in a way reflects the band’s sophisticated art pop storytelling.
Kicked off by new track ‘The Mad Stone’, from the band’s latest album ‘Mountainhead’, released in March this year. The track features frontman Jonathan Higgs’s trademark vocal range and rapid-fire wordplay, wrapped in swathes of layered instrumentation strikes a fine balance between a fresher sound with themes of nostalgia. The entire set flowed brilliantly, like a mosaic tap flowing with vibrant melodies, showcasing the band’s outstanding back catalogue, including the exquisite beats and lyricism from ‘Distant Past’, ‘Metroland is Burning’, and ‘Pizza Boy’, to new starburst tracks ‘The End of the Contender’ ‘Cold Reactor’ and the enigmatic ‘Enter the Mirror’, which really stood out for me!
Since their origin in 2007, the Manchester band continue to astonish and inspire, producing relatable concepts and musical experimentation that constantly pushes the boundaries of their music, with a fascination for experimental electronica and thought-provoking wordplay, the likes of which has always made them stand out from the crowd, leaving music-fans (including myself) mesmerised ever since releasing their debut album ‘Man Alive’ way back in 2010!
My only critique from this show is that Photoshop Handsome, one of my all-time favourites was left out of the set, a song that I was expecting to be unleashed at some point to make everyone lose their minds! However, the set still dazzled with a heady mix of early tracks, all the way up to the brand new. As many gig-goers know, music has the power to make certain fans go wild with joy, none more so than two guys near the stage who were loving every minute, which caught the attention of frontman Jonathan, who dedicated 2013 album (ARC) track ‘Cough Cough’ to the excited duo! How cool is that?! The night ended with a trip-track encore, with last song ‘No Reptiles’, giving us one last immersive trip before it was time to head home.
Everything Everything are band that that never ceases to amaze! With a powerful combination of passion, social awareness and boundless energy for their music, I am elated to tell you that this band is as strong and iconic as ever! We had everything we needed to have a thoroughly amazing time!
musicforthemisfits.com 