Pale Waves at Rough Trade East
Pale Waves are certainly riding high this year. The Manchester band have travelled the globe, taking their goth-tinged jangle pop to audiences far and wide. Support slots with The 1975 and CHVRCHES as well as many festival appearances over the Summer have helped the band grow a loyal and enthusiastic fanbase.
Most of them appear to have descended on the Rough Trade East shop this evening, the famous East London record store is packed for tonight’s acoustic performance and signing event. The band are here to promote the release of their much-anticipated debut album, ‘My Mind Makes Noises’ and singer guitarist Heather Baron-Gracie takes to the stage for a stripped back solo performance of singles and new songs from the album.
Pale Waves make no secret of their 1980’s musical influences, with The Cure, Prince and Cocteau Twins often referenced in interviews and reviews, Heather’s lilting voice also brings to mind The Cranberries and 80’s indie stars The Sundays, while her #stagestyle is a mix of classic goth, steam punk and silent film star Clara Bow.
Opening with the band’s debut single ‘There’s a Honey’ Heather proves to be a confident and charismatic performer, the young crowd sing back her every word and she is happy to chat and answer questions from excited fans between songs.
Following with ‘Kiss’ ‘Eighteen’ ‘Red’ and ‘My Obsession’, the running theme of the lyrics appears to be dealing with rubbish relationships, and we can all relate to that. Last song is the touching ‘Karl (I Wonder What it’s Like to Die)’, a tribute to Heather’s late grandfather.
‘We love you!’ shouts a boy in the crowd ‘Oh, thank you’ replies a smiling Heather ‘Thank you all for coming tonight’.
‘You’re better than Robert Smith!’ shouts another wag.
Hmmm, let’s not get carried away just yet!
Pale Waves are currently on a UK and European tour with US dates in November, you can get tickets here!
Check out Pale Waves yourself here.
Photos and words: Lorna Cort