Live Review: LIFE – YES, Manchester 27/10/2019

As one of the newest venues in the city, YES is also one of the best. Having only just celebrated its first birthday, YES has already hosted so many unforgettable shows, and on Sunday evening Hull punks LIFE were added to that growing list.

Support came from local bands Blanketman and Faux Pas, who both attracted an early crowd and set us up for our headline act.

Wishing I could have only arrived sooner, walking into the venue towards the end of Blanketman’s set was an instant regret. What I did manage to see was five minutes of fast paced post punk with frantic movements, and I’m here for it. The band were genuinely humbled that a big crowd had come down early to catch them, Blanketman now sit firmly on my ‘ones to watch’ radar.

Faux Pas were equally as enjoyable. Having never seen this band perform, but hearing nothing but great things, I can confirm they live up to all expectations. Joining LIFE on their next run of dates, be sure to watch out for the high-level energy performance of Faux Pas, featuring high kicks, ferocious stage presence and Placebo-esque vocals.

After conquering Europe, LIFE are in the middle of a mammoth tour in support of their epic second album ‘A Picture of Good Health’. The Pink Room filled up with late comers as the band were about to bring their live show to Manchester.

LIFE’s opening song, ‘Excites Me’, set the crowd up for what was no doubt going to be a memorable show. Welcomed with applause, “We are LIFE, we are from Hull”, was a sentence that gained huge cheers from some familiar faces around the room.

Refreshing and socially engaged songs from new album ‘A Picture of Good Health’ featured extensively on the setlist, with singles from their debut ‘Popular Music’ played alongside. Often political, personal or comical, each song came with an anecdote, which helped give us a little more insight into the lyrics. 

LIFE’s stage presence is unlike any other, singer Mez delivers distinct dance routines whilst the rest of the band jump around and own the stage, always portraying next level confidence. With their performance packed full of attitude, energy and bloody catchy songs, LIFE are one of a kind.

The final song was in sight, but not before requesting a ‘rap battle’ with the frontman of Faux Pas, of course? The guitar riff from P!nk’s song ‘So What’ acted as a theme tune as both frontmen appeared in the crowd sat on fans shoulders. Final song ‘Popular Music’, was sang from in the pit, giving fans a final chance to immerse themselves in the gig.

There’s nothing quite like a Sunday night gig; work the next day whilst slightly hungover and blearily eyed but feeling hyped from an optimistic night of music. I’m sure some of you can relate? This time we’ve got LIFE to thank for that!

You’d have thought that maybe after seeing a band countless times, you’d eventually get bored, know the set off by heart and probably not feel the need to see them at every given opportunity. That’s just not the case with LIFE. There’s something special about this band (and it’s not just the fact that we share the same accent). The energy, the passion, what they stand for, they get more exciting every time. 

What can I say? If you’re still unaware of who this band are, get on it. The best thing to come out of Hull for years, LIFE prove they’ve got what it takes to be in this for the long haul.

Words and photography by Abbie Jennings