Live Review: The Hara - Manchester Academy2, 15/04/2023
With their biggest headline show to date, and one they returned home for, it’s hardly surprising that The Hara has their sights set on bigger things for the future.
Kicking the night at Manchester Academy 2 off into full swing were The Hara’s support acts; Call Me Amour and Snayx. It’s safe to say that both bands certainly packed a punch and undoubtedly earned themselves some new fans.
Call Me Amour’s set was one predominately filled with interactions with their crowd, along with Harry frequently venturing into the crowd during their set, all of which lent itself to creating a special atmosphere that perhaps many people in the room would remember for a long time. If you missed your chance to see Call Me Amour while they were touring with The Hara on the SURVIVAL MODE tour, not to worry! The band will be returning when they open for Pop Evil in May, and if this tour with The Hara was anything to go by then their set on the Pop Evil tour is going to be just as special.
Adding on to what was already shaping up to be an incredible night, Snayx were up next, and they did not fail to deliver. Snayx’s set was full of energy, an energy which the crowd eagerly replicated themselves, creating a fun environment for both the band and those watching them. Having released their debut EP ‘Weaponized Youth: Part 1’ a month ago, this is very much the beginning for Snayx and whatever they do next is bound to be exciting. Their ability to transform the atmosphere and shape it into what they desire, along with elevating the excitement of the crowd is a talent that seems almost effortless for them.
The Hara opened their set with the track ‘Autobiography’ and the night immediately promised to be one to remember, if the crowd’s energy was anything to go by. It’s easy to find yourself captivated by this band when they’re on stage, their performances alone are something else entirely and are special to watch. It’s fair to say that the band’s effortless charisma certainly helps too. The love in the room for this band was palpable and was entirely deserved, as the night progressed it proved that The Hara would remain a must-see band for many of their fans whenever the band is touring.
Slowing it down a little bit for a moment, ‘Died in My Twenties’ made an appearance on the night’s setlist. The track feels like one that its listeners can relate to in their own ways, perhaps more so in a live environment where you experience the emotions the song makes you feel in person.
The visuals The Hara had playing during their set truly add to the experience that is their live shows, it immerses you into their world and elevates their performance. More bands could take a page out of The Hara’s book when it comes to playing live shows, their usage of visuals is so unique and exciting.
Further into the night they played ‘Play My Game’ and with it, the energy levels were back to an all-time high. It appears like it would be almost impossible not to enjoy yourself when seeing The Hara playing a gig, the energy of both the band and the crowd is contagious.
The Hara closed their set with ‘Friends’ much to the crowd’s delight and excitement, if the energy had seemed like it was at its highest before then the rest of the night had nothing on the crowd’s energy during this final track. There’s something amazing about being able to get people to leave their real life at the door for a few hours and to just enjoy themselves so freely, and it’s something you can’t force either – you either have that kind of ability as a band or you don’t, and The Hara certainly do.
If this is only a teaser for what The Hara has in mind for their band, then the future definitely looks exciting for them. Without ` doubt, this band have earned themselves the title of fan-favourites and it’s easy to see why from the shows they put on. Whatever comes next for The Hara, along with wherever they go, their fans are certainly going to follow them on these new paths as they emerge.
Words by Bethany Ellis
Photography by Izzy Clayton
