Gig review: FLORENCE BLACK – Manchester Academy 3, 3 February 2024

As I entered the venue for the sold out show saw a diverse crowd with a nice mix of ages. The atmosphere was already rocking and they hadn’t even hit the stage yet.

I managed to catch the last few songs for the first supporting band, Trucker Diablo. I thought they were an excellent start to the evening with their rendition of “Proud Mary” which proved to be a crowd pleaser and some friendly banter between the band and the crowd.

James and the Cold Gun the second support band gained a new fan as I thought they were phenomenal! A fantastic band bringing a punk energy to the room.

By this point the crowd and myself were eagerly anticipating the main event, the mighty welsh trio that is Florence Black. After listening to the album “Bed of Nails” beforehand and hearing nothing but praise from those around me, I knew I was in for a treat!

I certainly was not disappointed. Through the gate the mighty Welsh trio gave me the gut punch in terms of heavy riffs, stunning vocals and the drumming was impeccable.

My attention was completely drawn throughout from the sheer sound alone that was created by only 3 people! I loved how the songs were hard hitting throughout. But the vocal for the first song “Bed of Nails” …what a way to open a show. Stunning!

The energy was electric and the showmanship and sheer enthusiasm for this band had me grinning from ear to ear, this was my first time seeing Florence Black and I have to say I was not disappointed!

The furious fingered guitar solo in “The Forest” was also simply sublime!

During the set I was looking round to the crowd on occasion and not one person looked as if they weren’t completely immersed and having an absolute blast.

Florence Black certainly were not holding back with musical and vocal talent and the showmanship was kept on a high level throughout, working the stage beautifully and keeping the crowd constantly engaged. The energy was high and electric and I found myself completely engrossed which is a sheer sign of a great set.

“Sun and Moon” was the closer of the show and had everyone in the room bouncing and fist pumping the air. Absolute belter of a show closure.

The crowd then roared into applause and praise for the band and I turned to my friend who was grinning ear to ear saying what an absolutely awesome set it was.

Even after the set the Manchester Academy was buzzing with conversation of how great the set was and I was chatting amongst fans about how they feel they have done nothing but improve over time.

Whilst I didn’t managed to chat to Florence Black themselves, I did manage to chat to the supporting bands who were lovely and I did grab myself a Florence Black T-shirt that I will be wearing proudly!

I will be looking forward to seeing them again on their next tour.

There are still dates on this upcoming tour, so why not see for yourself?

Review and photos by Lucy Parr

Feb 06: Wolverhampton KK’s Steel Mill
Feb 08: Bournemouth The Old Fire Station
Feb 09: London The Dome
Feb 10: Cardiff Tramshed

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

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UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 29 October 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)