STONE LIVE AT MANCHESTER’S ACADEMY

★★★★★ (5/5)

There goes a saying that social media presence can make a mark on the music scene, whether good or bad. For the Liverpudlians punk fusion makers Stone, it was that made the group reveal their honesty. The sold-out Manchester Academy 2 venue was packed, leaving an impression of expected electrifying atmosphere waiting for its entrance. The band's music, which was a blend of raw power and pop sensibilities, captivated the audience from the opening notes of I Let Go. All erupted into a mosh pit, beer flying over the barrier as the band delivered the energetic tracks Keep Running and I Gotta Feeling. Showcasing the band's raw energy with Let's Dance to the Real Thing, it had the audience moving in a frenzy without instruction.

Fin Power's stage presence was as an enigmatic mix of humble and spitting meaningful lyrics all the while his dance moves elicited admiration. Seeing lead guitarist Elliot Gill, drummer Alex Smith and bassist Sarah Surrage's musicianship in HD further cemented their status as standout performers. You can hear applause for each member showing their respected appreciation to the final package. Shortstraw (who was one of the support acts of the night) even stomped on stage for a song that brought a new edge on its expanding raw command.

Their rendition of If You Wanna hinted at the band's potential to reach even greater heights as the encore wrapped up with Waste and Leave It Out leaving the crowd singing along, leaving their voices filling the venue with a chorus of adoration. Manchester’s enthusiastic response to the Liverpool troupe was a testament to the band's ability to connect with their audience, leaving all in joyous unison and eagerly anticipating their next live experience. With their potential for even greater heights, Stone are poised to become a force to be reckoned with in the live music scene.