Brooke Combe Live at YES | Words by Tom F-H | Photo credit @altrinchamhq via Twitter
From BBC Introducing to Neighbourhood festival. Brooke Combe and her band have taken the northern music scenes by storm. Seeing that she had just announced a tour supporting Miles Kane, I was highly anticipating her intimate-by-comparison show in the basement venue of Manchester’s YES. Support act Lauren warmed the room up, armed with only a keyboard and powerful, emotional vocals, as the crowd jollily sauntered in. There was a buzz in the air; everyone was excited.
With the support act finished and the stage set up for the main act, RnB music maintained the energy as people danced, chatted, and laughed the night away. A Brooke Combe show is more than just a gig. It’s reason for people to come together to enjoy each other’s company in a welcoming and chilled-out environment. I became aware of this as the lights dimmed and the band populated the stage.
Brooke Combe looked amazing, with bright-rimmed sunglasses hinting at memories of a warmer time. The band were professional and smooth, and yet she began the show by greeting the audience in the way one might greet a friend: “Alright?”.
They played a number of original songs – namely ‘Impress You’ and ‘Are You With Me?’ I was easily drawn in by her strong voice and musicality. For some tracks she donned a gorgeous, baby blue electric guitar, which added to the dynamics of her more up-tempo songs. In a surprise turn, they also played a cover of Arctic Monkey’s ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?’ A perfect encapsulation of Brooke Combe’s style, as the sassy northern indie combines with the soulful and the groovy.
Missed the show? Take a look at Brooke Combe’s upcoming shows:
Neighbourhood Weekender 2022:
Supporting Courteeners at O2 Academy Brixton Friday 26th November:
Supporting Miles Kane on tour in 2022: