You can tell a lot about the talent and relatability of a band by their fans. Pale Waves’ fans are a very passionate and loyal bunch, which was especially shown by the mass queues down Gardner Street before the doors opened. Thankfully, Pale Waves are every bit worthy of this dedication as they’re a truly great modern pop band that harks back to the likes of The Cure, just as much as to their friends and colleagues, The 1975.

Support on the night came from Pale Waves’ label mates, King Nun, who, it has to be said, are a bit of a mismatch as support. Nevertheless, they showcased their grungy, punkish sensibilities through a very tight live unit. Frontman Theo gets the balance of being an energetic live presence without being arrogant very well and songs such as ‘Wet Wipe’ and ‘Speakerface’ sound like great doses of rock ‘n’ roll heavily influenced by The White Stripes’ heavier output.

Arriving at just after nine o’clock, there was a genuine sense of excitement and intrigue built for the introduction of Pale Waves. So when the lights went down for the arrival of the band, there were palpable screams from the younger audience members (of which they made about 80% of the crowd) you’d be hard-pushed to find from fans of any other indie band. Opening with recent single ‘Television Romance’, it would appear, what with the striking make-up, black leather jacket and monumental pop hooks, that Pale Waves have it all.

Throughout the set, which was kept as short and sweet as their singles, they played sublime, well put together, catchy pop music that showcased influences as well as being entirely unique. Old song ‘The Tide’ had the crowd dancing and, unbelievably considering it hasn’t been released officially yet, singing every word. Likewise, ‘Heavenly’, which is the best song of the night, leaves the audience in raptures with its bass-heavy hooks, sultry vocals and colossal chorus.

Pale Waves aren’t just an upbeat, buoyant pop band though. This live show demonstrated that they had another string to their bow. ‘My Obsession’, which was introduced by frontwoman Heather Baron-Gracie saying, “Let’s get emo”, was a melancholic, lugubrious and gloomy slice of emotional pop in the vein of Baron-Gracie’s hero Robert Smith. In terms of happy-sad pop music, Pale Waves absolutely nail it. Likewise, ‘You Don’t Love Us Anymore’ is an insight into the psych of where co-writers Baron-Gracie and drummer Ciara Doran are at when they’re writing these songs. The ability to write songs that are so relatable for so many young people while still being great pop songs in their own right is incredibly impressive.

Ending on mega-single ‘There’s a Honey’ caused the biggest reaction, and bouncing, of the night. Pale Waves are such an impressive live unit and, with their set reaching just over the half hour mark, left people wanting more, which is the perfect way to play these venues. They didn’t give too little or too much away but, they showcased perfect glitzy, gloomy pop to leave the Komedia crowd salivating for more Pale Waves.

Liam McMillen

Website: palewaves.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/palewaves
Twitter: twitter.com/palewaves