Live Review: Self Esteem - Albert Hall, Manchester 01/03/2023
Self Esteem gives Manchester a night to remember. A night filled with euphoria, empowerment and dancing!
Self Esteem took to the stage on Wednesday night, for her first of three nights at the Albert Hall in Manchester. Opening with the backing band and three dancers entering in matching blue suits, followed by Self Esteem herself adorning the same blue suit.
As someone who has not been to a Rebecca Lucy Taylor (Self Esteem) gig before, I was unsure what to expect. However, what followed for the next hour and fifteen exceeded any expectations. The venue itself is church-like in stature and lends an intimate and exclusive gig experience. Opening with her recent hit song ‘Prioritise Pleasure’, Self Esteem and her three female dancers were perfectly in sync adding energy and fun to every song, in a pop star way whilst treasuring live music with the addition of a talented two-piece band.
Throughout the night, the crowd didn’t waver in their support from the star in front of them, I even noticed some already knowing the dance moves and joining in.
Some notable moments throughout the gig include a dance breakdown from the three dancers whilst Self Esteem pounds on the drums. A powerful moment during ‘How Can I Help You’ where the all female quadruple took centre stage to wipe at their makeup, smudging it, most noticeably their red lipstick. Creating a powerful female centric moment. And Rebecca Lucy Taylor taking to the stage on her own; under just one spotlight, herself and her guitar, casting silence over the whole venue.
Playing hits from both her debut album ‘Compliments Please’ including ‘Girl Crush’ and the most recent ‘Prioritise Pleasure’, playing the title track and fan favourite ‘Fucking Wizardry’ as the first two songs to open up the show. Gaining a vibrant and lively reaction from the Manchester crowd.
The whole performance radiated confidence and joy. Rebecca Lucy Taylor seemed in awe of the crowd that screamed lyric after lyric back to her. Self Esteem showed she is unashamedly being a woman, loving herself and her music and is enjoying every minute of sharing it with crowds up and down the country.
During the set there were two costume changes, the first happening in front of our eyes. Fog rising and red lights shining, the backing dancers removed their blue suits to reveal matching red catsuits with harnesses and red balaclavas. Self Esteem then emerged in the same red catsuit, a red corset and a red cowboy hat. The second coming before the most emotional part of the performance Rebecca Lucy Taylor entered in a black suit, just her and a guitar, baring her soul for all to see. The pace was quickly brought back up with Self Esteem even taking a moment to joke with the crowd about her trousers not zipping up.
Following her last song ‘I Do This All The Time’, the crowd hadn’t had enough and cheered on for more. Taking the stage once again for a three song encore with ‘I’m Fine’, ‘The Best’ and ending with ‘Still Reigning’.
The entire night was filled with energy, empowerment and fearlessness. Making the most of the small stage the Albert Hall in Manchester holds, Self Esteem and crew provided enough energy to excite everyone in the audience. A performance full of enjoyment, theatrics and pop masterclasses, Self Esteem definitely knows how to put on a show.
Words by Anna Street
Photography by Izzy Clayton
