More about: The Pale White

It’s been a while since Geordie trio The Pale White last shared a full project with their fans - following the release of their 2021 debut album Infinite Pleasure, the group has gone through something of an evolution. With bassist Tom Booth making a departure and Dave Barrow stepping into his shoes, an initially surprising shake-up for the group has relit the ambitious fire that first blazed in 2016.

With an unplanned reinvigoration arriving at the perfect time - “we’re giddy and excited all over again,” drummer Jack Hope shares - the band began shaping up a second album behind the scenes amongst a busy slew of live shows across the UK and Europe. Before heading to the studio to lay down their next LP, The Pale White stumbled into a new stoner rock sound that matched the live energy they’ve been chasing as of late. 

“Nothing is ever set in stone,” singer Adam Hope explains of the shift in sonic and the new EP that was soon born. Lead single ‘How Far Can You Push A Man?’ is now out in the world but, as they prove with a two-night residency at Newcastle’s newest venue, the track is “just the tip of the iceberg.”

Over at The Grove, the trio kick off their new era with a bang; two sweaty and lawless shows filled with classic cuts, unreleased material, special guests and, of course, Star Wars references - it was May the 4th, after all.

Rising star Lizzie Esau is the first to grace the stage with an introspective indie approach that has already cemented her as a musician to keep a close eye on - with a recent signing to Lab Records, she joins the likes of Crawlers, Blondes, swim school and Nell Mescal. Recent cuts ‘Jellyfish’ and ‘Killer’ have set Lizzie up for a stratospheric 2023 and earned her place amongst those talented peers.

Chloe and The Brainwaves use the Friday night opening slot to launch their rock careers and the transition from wedding musicians to thrilling newcomers is an explosive one at that. Chloe’s stunning vocal is already setting up several live favorites, with an imminent debut single sitting amongst them - it’s not one to be ignored.

With the crowds warmed up, special guests Demob Happy also join the celebrations. Although based in Brighton, the alt-rock outfit make a return to their Newcastle roots for a support set that could’ve easily been a headline staple in its own right. Offering old favourites as well a recent run of singles building anticipation for their third full-length, the grungy room is filled to the brim for this generous appearance alongside their peers.

Although there are moments shared with buzzy newcomers and established acts alike, make no mistake: this is The Pale White’s moment to shine. Jovially announcing their full-force return with the Imperial March, their own hefty discography soon clicks into gear. ‘Sonder’, ‘Glue’ and ‘That Dress’ celebrate past successes, but it’s clear that the band are very much forward-facing; with their recent single making its debut live appearance, it is quickly followed by the entirety of their imminent project as a welcome preview for hometown fans.

"These blistering shows at The Grove prove why the loyal fanbase continues to follow them..."

The addictive ‘Validate Me’ has been kicking around the group’s live sets for a while but has never sounded better with Jack’s rapid-fire rhythm and harmonies backing up Adam’s formidable lead vocal; ‘Dogs’ takes a rather civilian subject matter and twists it into a sharp tune; the interplay of instrumentals on ‘Time Bomb’ is something to envy, while rhythmic talents dominate on ‘List of Enemies’. ‘Taste The Sun’ doubles down on a new sonic direction and it really hits, with fan reactions and new audience pull opening up a new world of potential.

When glorious indulgence takes the spotlight, a revitalised dynamic updates the older cuts - ‘Wisdom Tooth’ and ‘Panic Attack’ both make rare appearances in the setlist amongst back-to-back headbanging favourites and a ‘Helter Skelter’ cover for good measure.

Despite The Pale White existing in one form or another for going on seven years now, these blistering shows at The Grove prove why the loyal fanbase continues to follow them as well as renewing interest and offering something entirely fresh; things feel different for the group, and everyone in the room can feel it. “It’s good to be back,” Adam declares. “Thanks for waiting. We’re gonna make up for lost time.”

See the view from the pit, captured by Finlay Holden:

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More about: The Pale White