Nearing the end of their very first US headline tour, Blackpool, UK based band Boston Manor made a stop in Chicago to play at Bottom Lounge on December 15th. The lineup was stacked with Toronto-based band Selfish Things, Cleveland-based band Heart Attack Man, and Atlanta-based band Microwave those attending the show were in for an exciting night.
The night opened up with Selfish Things, playing some songs off their new album “Logos” like “Blood” and “Rowen” but also some older stuff off of their Vertical Love EP such as “Hangman” and “8147 Mulholland Terrace.” The crowd got to start getting hype for the rest of the night by dancing and singing. The stage presence of the lead singer, Alex got the fans in the mood to start moving around.
When Heart Attack Man came on it wasn’t even a full second into the song before the crowdsurfing began. Heart Attack Man has been giving a ribbon each night to the person who goes craziest with crowdsurfing and stage diving, so fans kept going up to have fun and also try to win. With some new songs off the new album “Fake Blood” fans got to hear songs like “Cut My Losses” and “Out For Blood” but also some older songs like “Surrounded By Morons” and “100mg” the mosh pits were getting rowdier by each song.
The next band that came on was Microwave. Instantly, they brought an energy to the room nearly unexplainable. The crowd singing, morning and just enjoying themselves. They played some of their better known songs such as “Stovall” and “Lighterless” but also stuff off their new album “Death is a Warm Blanket” such as “Leather Daddy” and “DIAWB” which allowed older fans to hear some old stuff but also introduce new fans to the bands newer music.
By the time Boston Manor came on, everyone in the venue was excited and ready to let loose. They opened with an older song, “Burn You Up” which immediately got the crowd moving. Crowdsurfers and mosh pits left and right, the crowd was bursting with energy to have a great time. The show was full of magical moments expected to be seen at a pop punk show like the entire crowd singing “Bad Machine” in harmony to a circle pits and moshing lasting for entire songs. The lead singer, Henry Cox, rubbed off on to the crowd by the end of the night having everyone in the room moving.
I have seen Boston Manor quite a few times over the years, but seeing them play a headline set for my first time truly brought something new. From crowdsurfing to singing at the top of my lungs to some of my favorite songs, this show was easily one of my favorite shows of the year.
