Live Review: As December Falls - Academy2, Manchester 01/12/2023
Kicking the month off with a bang: As December Falls raised the roof of Manchester’s Academy 2.
The fiercely independent outfit have taken their music on a lengthy EU tour, and fans all over the continent seem to be relishing their current activity. The group’s previous visit to Manchester saw them play Academy 3. Having sold that out, smashing the gig and leaving fans wanting more, they would entertain another capacity crowd, this time in Academy 2.
The steady growth that As December Falls have seen is remarkable. With each tour they embark on, each release they gift fans, their following grows ceaselessly.
With the first day of December falling on a Friday, fans were well and truly up for this one. The surrounding bars were buzzing until the venue’s doors opened, allowing rock fans to take their places for the evening.
Up first was rising star Lizzy Farrall. The singer and band wasted no time and showed the Manchester crowd the very best of her work so far. With the room filling to near capacity early on, most of those coming for ADF caught the singer-songwriter’s brilliant set. Within the set, she displayed some of her most recent work, including one track that really caught the eyes and ears of those in attendance, ‘Room 42’. Announced as her latest single, the song was brilliant, and it was performed with a real swagger. Farrall smashed it, and fans will certainly be keeping a keen eye on her movements going forward.
Chosen to be the act to get the crowd prepared for the main event was the epic Dream State. The group absolutely killed it, with an abundantly energetic set that showed off some expert musical talent. Lead vocalist Jessie Powell really took centre stage with an absolutely breath-taking performance. The vocal ability and engagement with the crowd was truly remarkable. The band performed some tracks that will stick with the audience. ‘Taunt Me’ was one that really showed off just how tight of an outfit Dream State are. They had the crowd bouncing with fast drums, thrashing guitars and unmissable vocals.
The lead singer even took to the crowd to sing with a young fan in attendance. Their music is for everyone, and they really are a great band. After their set, the singer even thanked members of staff in the venue personally.
With the crowd well and truly warmed up, it was nearly time for As December Falls. A few pop-punk classics played on the speakers and fans belted them out.
The lights went down, and it was time…
Things kicked off with the triumphant guitar riff of ‘More to You’, the ultimate track to start things off. Right from the off, each member of the band’s abilities were showcased. Highly notable early on was the sheer talent of Ande Hunter on lead guitars. The huge riffs had the crowd right where the band wanted them.
The group worked their way through a largely fast-paced set that was brimming with pop-punk anthems. In the breaks between songs early on, the band took to their microphones to express their gratitude towards the Manchester crowd. They asked who was at their previous Manchester show, with a resounding cheer meeting the question. The chemistry between band and audience was evident. There were several brilliant crowd moments.
One of which came in the track ‘No money’. The way that the track breaks down meant that half of the room could scream ‘NO!’, with the other half responding with an even louder cry of ‘NO MONEY!’ It was beautiful.
Amid the relentlessly fast tracks was a slower number that really wowed the audience. ‘Happier’, a song that is much slower and sombre than much of the group’s discography. The audience raised their torches and belted out every word with lead singer Bethany Curtis. This moment in the show was incredible.
The latter end of the set saw some intense moshing, and even a circle pit. Floods of people losing themselves in the moment, it was incredible to see.
The group repeatedly expressed their love for the crowd and the city of Manchester. It was most certainly a mutual feeling.
The final tracks of the evening were epic. One of the most poignant was ‘I Don’t Feel Like Feeling Great’. The lockdown-based song is one that resonates with so many and it was brilliantly received in Manchester.
As December Falls were the perfect act for the first day of the Christmas month. Having jumped from Academy 3 to 2 in 2 visits, fans will be eager to see them return (perhaps even to the main Academy).
Words by Matthew Caslin
Photography by k4tiephotogr4phy
