RIDE LIVE AT MANCHESTER’S NEW CENTURY HALL

★★★★☆ (4/5)

RIDE PERFORMING AT MANCHESTER’S NEW CENTURY HALL
PHOTOCREDIT: CHARLIE MORLEY

Junodream's performance supporting Ride was a mesmerizing display of atmospheric rock that effortlessly transported the audience into a realm of sonic exploration. The London-based band, known for their melancholic melodies and dreamy soundscapes, proved that they’re a rising force to be reckoned with, delivering a show that was intimate, immersive, and emotionally resonant.

As the lights dimmed and the band took the stage, there was an immediate sense of anticipation in the room. Junodream launched into their set with “Travel Guide,” its moody intro building slowly before bursting into a wave of lush guitars and soaring vocals. It set the tone for the evening—darkly atmospheric yet full of movement and emotion. Their fusion of shoegaze, indie rock, and subtle electronic elements created a sound that felt familiar yet fresh, drawing comparisons to acts like Radiohead and The War on Drugs while carving out their own distinctive niche.

The band’s interplay was tight, with each member contributing to the sonic depth that characterizes their music. Ed Vyvyan’s vocals, both haunting and powerful, carried the weight of the introspective lyrics, while the guitarist work layered beautifully over one another, shifting between ethereal melodies and heavy riffs. The rhythm section kept everything grounded, providing a solid backbone that allowed the more ambient elements to drift and swirl.

Ride’s return to the stage at New Century Hall in Manchester was nothing short of a triumph. The shoegaze pioneers, known for their atmospheric soundscapes and evocative guitar work, delivered a performance that was both nostalgic and vital, reaffirming their place as one of the most influential bands of the genre.

From the opening notes of “Leave Them All Behind,” the audience was immediately swept into a wall of sound, with Andy Bell and Mark Gardener’s shimmering guitars weaving together layers of distortion and melody. The rhythm section, anchored by Steve Queralt’s pulsing basslines and Laurence Colbert’s thunderous drumming, provided the backbone for the swirling chaos above, creating a sonic experience that felt both immersive and transcendent.

The setlist was a perfect balance of classic material from their 1990 debut Nowhere and fan-favouritegoing blank again , alongside newer tracks from their more recent releases, including This is not a safe place. Each song was greeted with ecstatic cheers, but it was the timeless “Vapour Trail” that sent the crowd into a collective euphoria, its delicate, melancholic melody hanging in the air like a bittersweet memory.

Ride’s ability to seamlessly blend their older material with their newer songs is a testament to their ongoing relevance. Tracks like “Future Love” and “Repetition” fit comfortably alongside classics, showcasing the band’s knack for creating music that resonates deeply, both emotionally and sonically.

Visually, the show was a feast for the eyes. The understated yet effective lighting design complemented the music perfectly, with beams of light cutting through the thick haze of fog, adding to the dreamlike atmosphere. It was a fitting backdrop for a band whose music often feels like stepping into another world.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Ride’s performance was the energy they brought to the stage. Despite being veterans of the scene, there was no sign of fatigue. Gardener’s vocals were as captivating as ever, while Bell, splitting time between his duties in Ride and his tenure with Oasis, seemed fully immersed in the moment, his passion palpable.

The crowd, a mix of older fans reliving the ’90s heyday and younger listeners discovering Ride for the first time, responded in kind, hanging on every note and swaying to the ebb and flow of the music. The band’s connection with the audience was undeniable, and by the time they closed the night with the epic “Drive Blind,” it was clear that this wasn’t just a concert – it was a shared experience, a communal celebration of sound.

In a live setting, Ride’s music takes on a new dimension. The studio recordings, while brilliant, can’t quite capture the raw power and emotional intensity that the band brings to their live performances. This show was a reminder of just how powerful music can be when delivered with passion and precision.