More about: slow readers club

Manchester four-piece The Slow Readers Club have had a very busy year. Not only have they done the festival circuit - which included performances at Rock Wechter, Metropolis and Mad Cool Festival - they’ve also smashed a gigantic, 32-date headline European tour. They’ve been riding high on the back of their third album, Build A Tower, which was released in 2018 and was a critical and commercial success. After a nonstop 2019, they’re seeing out the remainder of 2019 with 5 shows across the UK, including performances in Wolverhampton and Manchester as well as the sold-out show in London at The Dome. 

The atmosphere at the venue is electric with anticipation. The auditorium is jam-packed with excited fans who all roar in unison as the band take to the stage and launch straight into 'On The TV', an anthem that begins with a silky guitar riff, quickly accompanied by thundering drums. Immediately, it becomes apparent that this is a band deserving of its loyal fanbase. Frontman Aaron Starkie commands attention with razor sharp vocals that reverberate and fill every inch of the hall, and lyrics that inspire reflections on the current worldly state of affairs. It doesn't take long for everyone to start jumping about, clapping and singing in unison to the thumping melodic tunes. 

By the time the dust settles from the opening song, the audience are well on side and eager for more. What follows is a mammoth 20-song setlist that's an eclectic mix of old and new tracks, all belted out in a tight-knit and comprehensive performance which make this show a real soaring success. One of the highlights of the show is the delivery of ‘Plant The Seed’, a song that blends all the ingredients that are the trademarks of The Slow Readers Club’s anthemic electro-noir rock. Otherworldly synth is elevated by Starkie’s high reaching vocals and accompanied by crackling guitar riffs. Their performance is well-suited to the intimate setting, but is also one that would feel right at home being punched out at an arena. 

The show ends on a high, with an emphatic performance of lead single ‘Lunatic’ from their latest album. An energetic Starkie whips the crowd into a frenzy, jumping around the stage and encouraging fans to do the same. Even with the set cramming in as many songs as it did, it's one of those gigs that leaves you hungry for more at the end of it. What we really liked was the modesty and genuine appreciation that was evident on the band members faces as they thanked the audience for their support. This is a band that have worked incredibly hard to get where they are and are thoroughly deserving of high praise they receive.

More about: slow readers club