Following the release of their fourth album Smitten, one of Manchester’s finest four-piece’s, Pale Waves, took their shiny new record, an abundance of fan favourites, and plenty of eyeshadow, all over the UK!
The quartet wrapped up their tour in London, performing the first of two nights to a sold-out HERE at Outernet crowd. Their irresistibly luscious indie pop soundtrack never fails to go down a treat, with three previous records, EPs, and singles all providing breathtaking backup.
Dozens streamed through the doors after 7pm to the satisfying backing track of modern-day classics from artists like The 1975 and Sabrina Carpenter. The venue felt like a hidden gem, tucked away in the basement of a busy London street, butenormous in size. The room was steeped in a moody yet luxurious atmosphere, which only added to the intimate vibe for the several hundreds of eager fans.
The choice of supporting act was spot on, as Scottish trio Swim School settled onto the stage just after 8pm and set the tone for the night ahead. The group powered through a thrilling mix of heavier hits and softer tunes, like Seeing It Now and BORED, with lead singer Alice Johnson’s vocals sounding flawless. Their sonic resembled the earlier music from Pale Waves, which must’ve been quite the incentive given who they were opening for. The crowd were moving in no time, and thunderous closer See Red practically blew the roof off the Outernet. It was an impressive showcase of their growing success, marking them as a band to watch in the future.
Through the sea of leather jackets, tour merch, and Doc Martens (reminiscent of a 2014 Tumblr aesthetic), a pair of chandeliers framed the stage, flanked by classical statues, ivy and red curtains giving the venue a theatrical vibe. The stage design mirrored the cover of the new record, carefully curated like much of their pop-punk material. This London crowd were already well-acquainted, so no introductions were needed asthey launched straight into Perfume, the lead single from Smitten.
After welcoming us with cuts from the new record, like Not a Love Song and Gravity, it wasn’t long before lead singer Heather Baron-Gracie treated us with “a classic Pale Waves song.” AsThere’s a Honey began, the enthusiasm soared, and the hardcore fans belted every word; it was the delirium the Outernet so craved. The nostalgia continued with hits like Change, Drive and You’re So Vain, thrilling those down the front as they were taken back to simpler days as far as 2018. “Who’s a 2018 Pale Waves fan?” asked Baron-Gracie, before leaping into fan favourite and My Mind Makes Noises record opener, Eighteen. The Outernet surely hit full volume, as several phones were held aloft to capture the moment.
A slower, more intimate moment of the night arrived with Last Train Home, as many swayed to the delicately played acoustic guitar, paired with Baron-Gracie’s tender vocals. The band had the audience in the palm of their hand, highlighted clearly when they invited the crowd to choose between Unwanted or Red making the setlist. Using sheer volume as the deciding factor, Red emerged as the winner; its opening notes were met with a deafening cheer and passionate singing. Easy followed, a love song that resonated deeply with both couples and those still searching for love. It’s clear that Smitten explored fresh territory, blending Pale Waves’ signature punk-pop style with a more dreamy, expansive sound. The night struck the perfect balance, with tracks like Thinking About You and Gravity proving that even in a new era, the band can still deliver infectious pop anthems.
The band’s onstage control was masterful, and when they revisited Television Romance, the crowd erupted once again. Baron Gracie then embraced her queerness and delivered an overtly powerful performance of She’s My Religion; the track explores her personal journey and identity through the touching, reflective lyricism. One of the standout moments came when Baron-Gracie wrapped herself in the lesbian flag whilst singing, deepening the personal connection within the crowd once more. After such a heartfelt performance, the band briefly left the stage, leaving fans chanting and clapping for the inevitable encore.
The band returned to a triumphant reception, diving straight into Glasgow, a personal favourite from the new album. They closed the night with the edgy, punk-infused anthem Jealousy, sparking a passionate response and exhausting the remaining energy from the audience. It was a breathtaking high point and the perfect way to cap off their first night on the Outernet stage. The connection between the band and their fans was infectious from start to finish, with both sides fully immersed in every moment.
Pale Waves brought their new record to life with a confident, expertly executed performance which radiated romance, brimmed honesty, and provided a strong sense of community. They effortlessly showcased why they’ll remain a dominant musical force in the indie scene for years to come.
