On a cold and stormy Saturday night in Manchester, the audience at the New Century Hall found solace and warmth in the emotive melodies and heartfelt lyrics of Spanish Love Songs. The band graced the UK with a headline tour, in support of their latest album, No Joy. It’s worth noting that this show was originally intended for the much smaller Manchester Club Academy (470 capacity), but was moved to the larger venue of New Century Hall (1300 capacity), a testament to the fact that SLS had perhaps underestimated their own drawing power. Before the headliners took the stage, the audience were treated to two exceptional support acts, each bringing their own unique energy to the night.
The night kicked off with SUDS, a rising band hailing from Norwich. With an infectious blend of indie rock and punk influences, the quartet wasted no time captivating the audience. Their spirited performance demonstrated a raw energy that served as the perfect primer for what would be an emotionally charged evening. The band’s catchy melodies, engaging stage presence, and the intriguing addition of scented SUDS candles on their merch table combined to leave an indelible mark on the crowd.
Following SUDS, Heart Attack Man brought a heavier edge to the stage that injected a dose of adrenaline into the crowd. Travelling across the pond from Cleveland, Ohio, the band delivered a set characterised by gritty guitar riffs, pulsating basslines, and unapologetically honest lyrics. The band’s dynamic performance showcased their versatility as they seamlessly transitioned between moments of explosive intensity and introspective vulnerability. Songs such as ‘C9’ and ‘Leap Year’ invoked a great reaction from the crowd. Heart Attack Man left the audience buzzing with excitement. Their stage antics and infectious enthusiasm ensured they were a support act not to be overlooked and their set left me buzzing with the same excitement that drew me to them in the first place.
Taking to the stage to ‘Human’ by The Killers, Spanish Love Songs immediately launched into their first song ‘Lifers’. The room instantly transformed into a sanctuary of shared emotions. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend heart-wrenching lyrics with anthemic melodies became evident from the first note. The setlist was a lovely mix of songs from their last two records, No Joy and Brave Faces, Everyone but older tracks such as ‘The Boy Considers His Haircut’ and ‘Buffalo Buffalo’ were thrown into the mix for long term fans, each song carrying an emotional weight that resonated deeply with the diverse audience.
Spanish Love Songs have a unique ability to break your heart and then piece it back together again. Lead vocalist and lyricist Dylan Slocum poured his soul into each word, delivering poignant narratives of heartache, self-discovery, and the messy complexities of life. The band’s sound, a fusion of punk, emo and indie rock, provided a powerful backdrop to Slocum’s emotionally charged lyrics. In the front of the venue, people were dancing and moshing, caught up in the adrenaline-fueled intensity of the performance. While towards the back, there were people visibly moved, shedding tears in response to the resonant and relatable lyrics. I was doing both.
The duality in the audience’s reactions highlighted the appeal of Spanish Love Songs’ music. It speaks to the highs and lows of the human experience, offering solace to those in need. The band created a space where everyone felt welcome to experience the music however they needed to. Whether it was through energetic movement in the front or a quiet emotional release in the back, the audience embraced the freedom to connect with the music on a personal level.
In the midst of the storm outside, Spanish Love Songs provided a safe haven within the walls of New Century Hall. As the final notes of ‘Brave Faces, Everyone’ resonated, the audience stood collectively moved, their hearts mended and spirits lifted. Spanish Love Songs delivered not just a performance but a therapeutic journey, reminding everyone in attendance of the transformative power of live music.
Written by: Ellie Dawson
Photographed by: Ellie Dawson
Edited by: Molly Day
