LIVE REVIEW | BLOSSOMS @ LIVERPOOL JACARANDA BALTIC 04/10/2024 by Keira Knox

Liverpool has a reputation for having some of the best live audiences around, so it’s safe to say that when Stockport’s Blossoms performed an intimate, stripped-back display on the Jacaranda Baltic stage, proving exactly why they are No.1. Delivering their distinct indie-infused 80s vibe to a city steeped in music heritage.

This performance felt as though it was a celebration of everything Blossoms have already and are yet to achieve with the release of their UK No.1 album ‘Gary‘. Despite already performing a show 2 hours earlier, the band were in top form, combining old and new tracks to create an incredible evening of music. Blossoms have become renowned for their phenomenal live performances and incredible crowd interaction, and this performance was no exception. Assembling a unique set list only for the Liverpool audience to enjoy following requests from the crowd.

With an acoustic rendition of their iconic track ‘Charlemagne‘ to start their set, the crowd burst into life, with each audience member singing at the top of their lungs, packing the 400-cpacity venue with an elevated level of intensity. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed an intimate set where the audience have been so raucous and engaged for the duration of the band’s performance.

After soliciting requests from fans, lead singer Tom Ogden instructed the audience to applaud for the song they desired to hear performed next. ‘My Swimming Brain‘ and ‘What Can I Say After I’m Sorry?‘ were the choices, and the latter was the overwhelming favourite. I adore how the Blossoms weave popular tunes into their own; for example, they incorporated Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams‘ into the acoustic melody of this track.

Following on from this, ‘Big Star‘ was chosen to be the subsequent track. With its catchy melodies, menacing synths that loom throughout, and engaging vocals by Tom Ogden, this album opener thrusts you squarely into the core of Blossoms’ sound. The performance is equally impressive acoustically, and Josh Dewhurst skilfully incorporates his acclaimed guitar solo into it.

Right now, this might be my life’s high point. I participated in the request search by gesturing with my phone for the band to perform ‘Nightclub‘ live for the first time since ‘Gary‘ was released. The band suddenly erupted when Tom Ogden, who was pointing at my screen and exclaiming, “We haven’t rehearsed that one!” turned to face the excited audience. A vintage synth-pop melody complements its nostalgic lyrics about getting all dolled up and standing in long lines at the neighbourhood nightclub while trying to think of new ways to get inside.

Much to the surprise of the band, the crowd continued to request songs from their latest album rather than some of their more established tracks. ‘Mothers,’ ‘Gary,’ and ‘I Like Your Look’ came one after the other, turning this into a celebration of the group’s most recent musical offerings. Blossoms has been honing their live sound over the years to create an outstanding live atmosphere, making them one of the rare bands whose live sound is exactly like their studio album.

There was, of course, time to take us back to the band’s early days with a performance of fan favourite ‘Getaway‘ in the midst of some of their more recent tracks. Everybody in the audience was singing and dancing to the melody, sending the crowd into a frenzy and leaving the band members grinning broadly. The first few notes of ‘There’s a Reason Why‘ echoed around the venue, and the crowd surged. Blossoms created one of the most interactive and immersive shows of the year, it felt truly special to be in attendance.

To wrap up this phenomenal night of music, Tom Ogden played out the opening chords to ‘My Favourite Room’, however he had a surprise of his own singing out the lyrics to Robbie Williams‘ ‘Angels‘ instead. The band incorporated a variety of tunes into their own track, which led to a mass sing-along amongst the audience. ‘She’s The One‘, ‘You’re Gorgeous‘ and ‘Half The World Away‘ all combined with ‘My Favourite Room‘ to perfectly bring this performance to a close.