Live Review: Pierce The Veil/Against The Current/Carolesdaughter – Manchester Academy 08/12/22

It’s been a long, six years since Pierce The Veil last graced the UK shores and it’s safe to say the fans are waiting with bated breath at the packed out Manchester Academy.

First up in support we have Thea Taylor, more commonly known as Carolesdaughter, an alt-pop act from California. She’s been making waves since her break on to the music scene in 2020, but surprisingly offers a polished set for what is relatively a new act – although given her touring history (and the sheer amount of it) it’s clear to see she has been in some great company touring with Machine Gun Kelly, nothing, nowhere. and most recently Palaye Royale not to mention her own headline tours. With her emo lyrics coupled with punchy pop delivery, she is definitely one to watch!

Next up is New York pop rock band Against The Current. Formed in 2011 and fronted by powerful vocalist Chrissy Costanza, the band burst onto stage to huge cheers from the crowd. A cover version of Taking Back Sunday’s ‘Make Damn Sure’, ensures even those unfamiliar with the band have the opportunity to sing along. Chrissy proudly declares to the audience that ‘Blindfolded’ is their first song released as an independent band and thanks everyone for listening to it before confirming the band will be back in Manchester next year! With there being only two songs left, lead singer Chrissy asks the crowd one last question, ‘Are there any gamers in Manchester?’. She explains that the next song ‘Legends Never Die’ is a collaboration with one of her favourite video games, League of Legends. Ending the set, Chrissy thanks the crowd for being with them tonight.

Finally, the six year wait is over and it’s time for headliners Pierce The Veil!. Opening with ‘May These Noises Startle You In Your Sleep Tonight’, the air turns red as confetti is fired out over the crowd. It’s a full energy set with simultaneous leaping from Vic, Jamie and Tony. There’s only a few short months until the release of fifth album “The Jaws Of Life’, so the set is peppered with some of the recently released, and well received, new tracks including ‘Pass the Nirvana’ and ‘Emergency Contact’ which Fuentes explains was inspired by the time he changed his emergency contact to his wife instead of his parents.

The set features some of the biggest songs from the bands catalogue including hits ‘Hell Above’, ‘Bulls in the Bronx’ and ‘Caraphernalia’ where Vic ably holds his own vocally covering the original feature vocals by A Day To Remember’s Jeremy McKinnon.

The night is bookended with a captivating acoustic version of ‘Stained Glass Eyes and Colorful Tears’ before the band launch into the phenomenal ‘King For A Day’ as the confetti rains again and the smoke pulses on stage. Pierce The Veil have well and truly delivered and hopefully we won’t have another long six year wait until they are back on our shores! New album ‘The Jaws of Life’ released February 10th 2023 via Fearless Records, can be pre-ordered here.

Set List

May These Noises Startle You in Your Sleep Tonight

Hell Above

Pass the Nirvana

Bulls in the Bronx

Circles

Texas Is Forever

Emergency Contact

Hold On Till May

Caraphernelia

A Match Into Water

I’m Low on Gas and You Need a Jacket