More about: Squid

On a blisteringly hot June day, Squid - fresh off the back of their superb debut album Bright Green Field - roll into Manchester. The band play a mixture of new material and album tracks to a socially distanced crowd. 

Squid stroll on to the stage looking exactly like the sort of people you’d see at a Squid show. Tearing through a collection of bizarre and wonderful new tracks - the songs themselves showcase more of Squid’s experimental side - huge feedback sounds plus cacophonous cello and brass combine for lengthy instrumental tracks. 

Squid work in a number of album tracks too: 'Paddling' and 'GSK' from the debut made appearances on the set list, but they're mixed in with newer material too: Squid seem like a band coming into fine form. 

They close off the show with two further Bright Green Field tracks, 'Pamphlets' and 'Narrator'. The band thrash and shout, swapping instruments and percussion throughout.

The atmosphere, though, is odd. Social distancing and masks give the night an awkward feeling and the lack of sweat, moshing and dancing is apparent, though Squid played on manfully, doing their utmost to make pleasantries between tunes. The venue itself is complementary to Squid’s sound - the beautiful, high ceilings and stunning acoustics making Squid sound colossal.

Overall, a brilliant night of live music. Mosh pits and dancing are only a matter of weeks away now and Squid are the perfect band for your first gig back... 

More about: Squid