Live Review: Sea Girls - O2 Ritz, Manchester 14/03/2024
With a set list filled with sing-along hits and brand-new music, Sea Girls raised the roof in Manchester’s famous O2 Ritz.
Having sold out the bulk of their UK and Irish tour dates, all eyes were on the London band as they took to the stage. The group have cemented themselves as a serious name in the indie world, with their excellent live shows contributing a great deal to this.
As Sea Girls arrived in Manchester, for their first English show of the tour, there was a real excitement in the air. The bars of Oxford Road would host a great deal of gig goers as they prepared to see the band for an evening that wouldn’t disappoint.
Supporting Sea Girls on this tour is rising star Oliver Keane. The young artist has gained incredible amounts of attention on social media platforms like Tiktok with his expert ability to write and perform some brilliant music.
Keane took to the stage with a band, which really beefed up his sound. Those in the crowd who were previously unaware of the artist would certainly not be forgetting him in a hurry, for he delivered an epic performance.
Oliver Keane gifted the crowd a great opening performance, with songs like ‘3.5’ on display. This one, in particular, was a favourite amongst those in attendance.
Keane and co were the ultimate support act. It was brilliant to see a rising star like him open for Sea Girls, and it seems certain that he is destined for big things.
After this, it was time for the main event. Sea Girls. There was a real sense of excitement that built as the crowd waited for the group to grace the stage. The pre-gig playlist had the entirety of the Ritz in fine voice.
As the clock struck 9, the lights dropped, and Sea Girls made their entrance. Their arrival was met by an almighty roar of the Manchester crowd.
They wasted no time and kicked straight into fan-favourite ‘Transplant’. Immediately, Manchester was with the group. As the drums kicked in, the audience clapped in unison and belted out every word along with frontman Henry Camimile.
‘Transplant’ was the perfect track to begin with. Its transition from slow verses to fast-paced choruses allowed the crowd to let loose early on.
Straight from the opener, Sea Girls flowed straight into ‘Weekends and Workdays’. This was one of many of the group’s newer tracks that was performed in Manchester. Of course, though, this one has been with fans for some time now and so it was belted out by all those in attendance. It was clear that the energy was there with this one. Both band and crowd alike were truly up for a good time. The band sounded particularly tight and together during this one.
Sea Girls worked their way through an epic set-list which comprised of tracks old and new, and newer… There was room for previously unheard music in the form of songs such as ‘Midnight Butterflies’, which is to be the title of the band’s upcoming record. The new music was incredible and had the Manchester crowd moving.
The group saw the brilliant crowd reaction to their music, and Henry Camimile took to the mic to express how grateful he and the band were for this. He seemed to be emotional as he expressed his happiness that so many people relate to their music. The crowd applauded and cheered the singer, once again showing just how much Sea Girls mean to people.
The tail end of the set was packed full of huge tracks. ‘Damage Done’ was the final number performed before a greatly received encore.
One new track was performed in this encore, in the form of ‘I Want You To Know Me’. Despite being new, the Manchester crowd belted out every single word, with many in the audience taking to their friends’ shoulders.
The evening was concluded with ‘All I Want to Hear You Say’. Bedlam ensued, with all those in the Ritz completely losing themselves to the track.
Sea Girls put on a stunning performance. The entire evening was an epic display of brilliant music and community. The band have created an excellent feel, with everyone feeling at one with each other.
Manchester’s crowd will hope to welcome back Sea Girls as soon as possible.
Words by Matthew Caslin
Photography by Leon Mansley
