Lime Garden have taken to Manchester as part of their sophomore album ‘Maybe Not Tonight’ tour. It feels incredibly special to see them here tonight at Gorilla, this tour might be the last chance to see the band in these smaller venues as their success continues to climb.
Support comes from Sarah Crean, Irish Brighton-based artist who recently released their second album ‘Heriloom’ independently back in September. The album loosely based on the myth of Calypso – exploring the raw life-altering experiences and the reconciliation that comes after.
Standout songs from their set include ‘Dreamer’, ‘22 Angel’ and ‘Baby (I’ll Always Be The Lead)’ – a song that stands as an act of defiance against the men in the music industry who make it their mission to put women down. The song starts off calm with an almost lo-fi energy before building into this heavy guitar production that’s a nod to the parts of the music industry Sarah is calling out.
The song fades out with a chant led by Sarah, a chance to reclaim your power and remind them you’ll always be the lead.
‘I say you’re in a band but I’ll always be the lead’
Lime Garden are about to take to the stage, I know we’re in for a good set when I spy a tambourine with a leopard print scarf tied to it and Petula Clark’s ‘Downtown’ playing through the speakers. The set starts off strong with ‘Body’ and ‘Pop Star’, we are treated early on to their new single ‘Moving Target’ – encompassing the feeling of falling in love even when we know it can’t work out.
We’ve started on a sadder note and this is recognised by lead singer Chloe Howard, who declares we will have our last chance to be emo for the night with ‘Do You Know What I’m Thinking’. The crowd erupt and we see the energy in the room shift, at this point I didn’t think it could get any better.
And then they perform one of the best covers of New Order’s ‘Age of Consent’. This cover really gripped me, not only as a lovely nod to Manchester, the lovely city they are performing in tonight. But because it fits so seamlessly into their sound and who they are as a band. There’s a lot of great moments from tonight but that cover has stuck with me and I am currently scouring the internet for a high quality recording to listen to again.
They close the night with ‘Cross My Heart’ and ‘23’ before announcing an after-party I will have fomo over for the rest of time. Tonight has been an electric and I cannot wait for them to take on Manchester again in the future.
