Live Review: Against the Current - O2 Ritz, Manchester 30/11/2023
Emphatic, unmissable and unmistakable: Against The Current stunned a Manchester crowd with a fully-loaded performance.
The all-American outfit have plied their trade for some time and have become rather well-established in the UK, despite hailing from the ‘other side of the pond’, as it were. The group offer a fresh feel to the pop-punk/ rock scene today and their incredible stage presence may be one of the reasons that their music has connected with so many.
Their ‘Nightmares & Daydreams’ tour has taken them all over Europe, and the group, as well as both support acts, seemed nothing short of thrilled to be in one of the UK’s musical hubs: the city of Manchester.
Upon the opening of the O2 Ritz’ doors, rock fans quickly streamed in, filling the venue in no time. At 7:20, it was time for Call Me Amour. Despite their short time on stage, the group made certain that they left their stamp on the evening. Their set was brimming with energy and innovation. Their live sound was something to behold, mixing electronic instruments with classic, distorted and ripping guitar riffs. One of the take-home tracks for the audience was ‘Chasing Bugs’. The track was performed in such epic fashion, with each member of the band putting their all into the execution of the sound. Their combination of sounds to create thick, heavy anthems was brilliant. Fans who were unaware of the group prior to the event will certainly be hoping to catch them again at their own headline shows.
After a quick change-over, the phenomenally talented LOLO made her appearance. The inclusion of her on this tour really took things to new heights, making every show even more of a spectacle.
The singer-songwriter and her band truly got the crowd in the mood for the main event. Her explicitly honestly titled tracks and sincerity in her lyrics had the crowd in awe. One of the stand-out songs was ‘The floor is lava’, which was preceded by the singer talking through the difficulties of anxiety in everyday life. This honesty will be truly appreciated by many in attendance, since she explored very real themes that affect us all. In addition to being relatable, her tracks were epic, and had the crowd bouncing. This is largely unseen for a support act. She combined brilliant pop-punk vocals with huge guitar sounds and some beautiful lyricism.
LOLO seems destined to be a star. I’m sure next time she graces the UK with live dates, she will be headlining venues like Manchester’s o2 Ritz.
After two admirable opening acts, it was time for Against The Current.
Fans had waited eagerly for their American heroes to return to the UK. As the lights went down, fans let their excitement known with outbursts of pure elation.
The band entered the stage and immediately kicked into “good guy”. The track was even more powerful than the recorded version. It was the ultimate opener, with fast-paced drums, rocky riffs and gripping vocals. Lead singer and front-woman Chrissy Costanza immediately dominated the stage with her unmistakable presence. The opening track was almost a message to fans. The band were up for it, so Manchester had better get strapped in.
They wasted no time and worked their way through the set. The first quarter was brimming with heavy sounds, electric guitar driven tracks that really showed the Manchester crowd just what they had come to see. ‘again&again’ was one that truly impressed early on. It was performed with such suspense in its verses and such freedom and release in its choruses. The group combined effortlessly to send the crowd into a frenzy.
The stage design of Against The Current was worth noting. They made themselves distinctive with additional lighting behind them, and with a platform for Costanza to elevate herself above the crowd even more. This addition was brilliant, and all eyes were on her. The gripping nature of their live show was remarkable.
Amongst the fast-paced pop-punk display was room for some slower tracks. Fans buzzed off these in equal fashion. One that was particularly well-received was ‘Chasing Ghosts’ which saw the entirety of the Ritz hold up their torches. This was quite something. The song was engaging, with the guitar riff being echoed by the crowd in choral style. It displayed the versatility of the group, who have nailed a range of sounds.
All too soon, the set was drawing to a close. Against The Current quenched the thirst of the Manchester crowd with the performance of some of their biggest tracks. Chosen to end things was the epic ‘weapon’. One last bounce for the crowd was had. The track felt enormous, it was delivered with such force and it was clear the band gave it their all.
It’s safe to say Against The Current will be welcomed back to Manchester with open arms. Their set was an incredible display, and we can only hope that they return soon.
Words by Matthew Caslin
Photography by Maryleen Guevara
