SO.CO Team
Live: Boston Manor @ World Headquarter, Newcastle
World Headquarters - Newcastle Upon Tyne
The last time Boston Manor played round these parts it was in the slightly more spacious confines of Northumbria University Student Union, as the standout act at the inaugural RiseFest. Tonight it feels like there are just as many people crammed into the smaller room at World Headquarters, a venue better known for forward thinking club nights that punk gigs. The wall of bodies upon entering the room suggested it was going to be quite something. Boston Manor didn’t disappoint.
Boston Manor @ World Headquarters, Newcastle
From the opening barrage of the live debut of recent single Container, through to a relentless take on fan-favourite Halo, the Blackpool five-piece barely stop for breath, never mind for the steady stream of crowd-surfers coming over the optimistically placed crowd barrier. Frontman Henry Cox leads the band through an eighteen song set, pulling out the best of their four studio albums, as well as a couple of new tracks.
Boston Manor @ World Headquarters, Newcastle
Boston Manor have been around a little while now, and their sound is maturing wonderfully. Most recent album, 2022’s Datura, might be their best yet, and shows a real development in style and sound from their earlier, no less promising offerings. Tonight, the recent work stands shoulder to shoulder with the band’s more familiar work, and both Container and Sliding Doors suggest yet more development with their next release.
Boston Manor @ World Headquarters, Newcastle
What elevates Boston Manor above their contemporaries is that it’s easy to believe that if they weren’t leaping around the stage making this glorious noise, they’d be down the front in sweaty clubs just like this one. Their authenticity comes through in the music, and in the live show, and that is a rare commodity indeed.
Boston Manor @ World Headquarters, Newcastle
Words and photos: Thomas Jackson