LIVE: Pretty Vicious @ The Deaf Institute, Manchester, 30.09.15

Adding to my long list of anti-freshers events I could attend as a fresher in Manchester, Wednesday saw a trip to The Deaf Institute for Pretty Vicious. Although the venue wasn’t devoid of freshers – particularly since Pretty Vicious themselves and support band, The Fronteers, are still firmly in their teenage years – the night panned out to be pretty spectacular.

After The Fronteers’ catchy, ’60s-inspired melodies, and a painfully long time spent setting up, Pretty Vicious take to the stage. Sticking true to their name, they kick off with ‘It’s Always There’; 30 seconds into the first song, and a mosh pit has started.

Totally cool, and totally in control, Pretty Vicious continue unfazed by the chaos beneath them. In fact, you almost couldn’t be blamed for thinking they’re totally unaware. Regardless, they play on. Whilst their sound never slows, the crowd calm down after the first song, seemingly having worn themselves out – the circle in the middle, however, remains for anyone willing to subject themselves to music-fuelled abuse.

For a group of 16-18 year olds, Pretty Vicious have their sound rather impressively locked-down. Unfaltering, bass-driven and incredibly loud, they play through the set with the ease of a band who’ve been together for years. They never once fuel the madness, but never discourage it either. It’s almost a wonder how a bunch of teenagers got to be quite so cool.

Predictably, all hell breaks loose towards the end of the set: the majority of the crowd are on the floor, if not hopelessly attempting shoulder rides, despite the attempts of the previously absent security. Again, however, the band continue to play faultlessly, finishing strong with ‘Are You Entertained?’

All in all, Pretty Vicious proved that age and experience is nothing. Everyone was quite clearly entertained and the band solidified their reputation as one of the best new bands around.

Melissa Svensen
@melyeaahh

Melissa Svensen

Melissa Svensen

Melissa, 22. Editor. Student, music journalist, probably talking about Blur or Bowie