“If you’re in Manchester, will you come to my show…” This was a big one for Sea Girls, and I could tell how excited they were for it. Victoria Warehouse was ready to bounce.
Opening the show was Lauran Hibberd; a rock singer-songwriter from the Isle of Wight, but who could have easily come straight out of a sunny American suburb. Her name was broadcast on an old TV in the middle of the stage as she and her band jumped around to pop-punk inspired tunes about boys and, well, boys.
Sea Girls walked out to explosive applause and screams from the young crowd. The four-piece indie-rock band laid down the rules – keep it safe, keep it respectful, help someone out if they need it – then jumped into their first song. The room leapt and I grabbed my sister’s hand, dragging her into the centre where we were swept up in the current of ecstatic fans, moshing and singing along.
An indie mosh pit is not something to scoff at and we were quickly separated, but with smiles all round, everyone worked together to ensure the best time was had by all and we were soon laughing along.
It was refreshing to see younger members of the audience joining in with the older. I didn’t notice anyone looking uncomfortable – the one time someone did fall over, they were quickly and carefully picked back up, laugher and thanks exchanged, and back to dancing.
Sea Girls brings the upbeat, party-boy indie sound that energetic crowds want, but the band’s lyrics are more personal. Many of Sea Girls’ songs are about love, loss and loneliness, but to the tune of dancey, off-beat drum grooves and guitar riffs. Everyone at the Sea Girls show was there to have a good time, including the band, but it was more than that for vocalist Henry Camamile. I felt as though he was speaking every line directly to us (the crowd), standing on a riser at the front of the stage, pouring his heart out.
“Well, I want you to know, I am doing better than I was before.”
Sea Girls transitioned between their energetic tracks, such as All I Want To Hear You Say and Call Me Out to stripped back versions of Lonely and an alternative version of Ready For More. Sea Girls’ set peaked then troughed into calm sections twice, during which the band left Camamile to sing with the audience alone and allowing us to catch our breath and connect with the true lyrical content and tone of Sea Girls’ music.
Sea Girls played a mix of their new and old songs, which was a delight for my sister who had followed them more closely when she was in her teens. Sea Girls understood their crowd well and brought the energy without lacking the feels, creating a positive atmosphere that was shared by all in the room – from parents to teens.
Sea Girls are performing at Neighbourhood Weekender 2023 on Sunday 28th May.