The Drums, The Big Pink, Bombay Bicycle Club & The Maccabees @ Manchester O2

With hot new New York band The Drums kicking off the show at this year’s NME awards tour, the crowd were not to be disappointed. Following a quick introduction of, “This song’s about surfing” and Ian Curtis-esque dance moves from frontman Jonathon Pierce, ‘Let’s Go Surfing’ turned the baby-faced crowd into a mass of waving limbs. Marrying Beach Boys guitars, The Cure-like vocals and crazy dance moves, The Drums had everything needed to rev the crowd up for the night.

Despite the tonnes of rave reviews The Big Pink didn’t manage to keep the energy levels as high. After a slow start, only TV favourite ‘Dominoes’ seemed to spark interest. Still, towards the end of their set they won over the majority and went off stage leaving a happy bunch behind.

Bombay Bicycle Club could’ve been the headliners as every song was received with deafening screams by the hoards of indie teens that pushed their way to the front. BBC also saw one of the most successful crowd participations of the night with ‘Always Like This’, when Jack Steadman pushed the microphone out towards the fans. At one point it all turned a bit Take That when a bra or two was flung onto stage - much appreciated by the boys.


When The Maccabees finally came onstage it was clear why they were the headline band. From electrifying opener ‘William Powers’ to encore ‘Love You Better’ Orlando, Hugo, Felix, Rupert and Sam had the crowd hanging from their every word. ‘Toothpaste Kisses’ and ‘First Love’ were sung back like football anthems at a league final, and midway through the set I Am Kloot frontman John Bramwell joined the guys for a special performance of ‘Because’.

And then, with thanks and a goodnight, The Maccabees and the rest of the tour departed; another successful gig under their collective belts.