By james art O2 Institute, Birmingham, 15 October 2024
Following the release of their fourth studio album, OverwhelmedPale Waves are touring the UK to promote and celebrate their ‘romantic, delicate and feminine’ record. Considering the range of sounds present in their discography – stretching from the pop-punk of their previous album Unwantedto indie rock and synth-pop—it was a privilege to witness and experience the range of Pale Waves.
After an impactful and energizing performance by support band Swim School, the stage is darkened with somber red lighting reminiscent of their debut album cover: My mind is making noises. The stage is decorated with vintage lamps, Greco-Roman statues and ivy leaves, and a playlist of The Last Dinner Party, The 1975 and John Waite fills the time. The set is prepared for Pale Waves, with a red curtain background, like a work of art. The lighting fades and flashes of white light grow more intense before the stage is graced with Ciara Doran, Hugo Silvani and Charlie Wood, followed by vocalist and guitarist Heather Baron-Gracie.
The retro-pop sound of Baron-Gracie’s gentle vocals reverberates through the Institute as a strong start to the phenomenal set
Under warm yellow and orange lighting, the band begin with the first single overwhelmed, “Perfume”, creating an immediate connection with the audience. The retro-pop sound with Baron-Gracie’s gentle vocals reverberates through the Institute as a strong start to the phenomenal set. The lighting fades to shades of lilac for “Not A Love Song,” the second song on the album, coincidentally the second song on the set.
“Birmingham, how are you feeling?”. The band brought energy and intensity with the following two tracks: ‘There’s a Honey’ and ‘Change’, clearly a fan favorite for this venue. Rocking an individual aesthetic that seamlessly connects, the band perform these pieces with an energy and power that electrifies the audience – with a theatrical fog enveloping the stage during ‘Change’ that heightens the atmosphere. Pale Waves, following these fan favorites, managed to keep the momentum going throughout their set, which continued with a third song from overwhelmed, “Gravity”.
Baron-Gracie, between ‘Gravity’ and ‘Drive’, shares a nostalgic story about one of Pale Waves’ previous Birmingham 2018 performances in a casual, conversational manner, reinforcing the existing connection with the audience. At that time, she takes down her guitar as red and white lighting dominates the stage. Baron-Gracie during “Drive,” a heavier song, without the limitations of her guitar, is able to engage in a greater amount of movement throughout the stage, energizing the crowd and delivering a commanding performance.
Not only is their crowd engagement fantastic, but through the next track ‘Eighteen’ from their debut album, the band confidently showcase their instrumental prowess and pounding vocals
“You’re So Vain” opens with piercing guitars and the high energy from the audience is not wasted by Pale Waves. During the third chorus, the microphone is directed towards the audience – highlighting the huge fan engagement that Pale Waves ensure when performing. However, not only is their crowd engagement fantastic, but through the next track ‘Eighteen’, from their debut album, the band confidently showcase their instrumental prowess and punchy vocals.
For their next track, equipped with acoustic guitar, the band can show a softer side with Smitten’sLast train home’.
“Birmingham! Do you want to play a game?” If you haven’t had an incredible crowd-artist interaction yet, Pale Waves offer a choice of two songs – ‘Unwanted’ or ‘Red’. Is it ‘unwanted’?” – intense squeal – “Is it red?” – even louder squeal. “I think you’ve made up your mind.” Therefore, Pale Waves perform “Red” combined with red lighting. Unsurprisingly, after being chosen by the audience, this song was incredibly well received throughout the institute, even including a precious moment between Pale Waves and a fan in which Baron-Gracie pointed the microphone at an individual fan to sing “I just wanna know ” before the last chorus.
The band continue to demonstrate their charisma when they introduce “Thinking About You” as “a sad song, but I’m over it”. The energy of reciprocity from the stage to the stands is far from over. During “Kiss Me Again,” billed as a song “for all the straight girls who want to be gay for the night,” encouraged by bassist Wood, the audience clapped along to Pale Waves. An undisputed fan favourite, ‘Television Romance’ follows, bringing the audience to life with movement and interaction – to the point where the audience provide backing vocals for Pale Waves, encouraging the band to exclaim: ‘I’m so glad you’re not boring’.
The edgier and punkier sound of their previous album closes their set with intense vocals, guitars, drums and stage movement as well as passionate audience engagement
“Do we have gays in the House… The next song is about lesbians”. “She’s My Religion” from the 2021 album who am idepicts a new side of Pale Waves with a more electronic funk sound than the previous performance, demonstrating the increased level of diversity and range that Pale Waves possess. During this song, lead singer Baron-Gracie pulls out a rainbow flag and decorates it for the rest of the song.
After a beautiful closing number of Pale Waves, the lights fade to black and the audience, desperate to keep this connection as if it’s a stampede, stomps and chants for the band’s return. It’s not a long wait, Pale Waves return after a vocal recording to present their first encore track ‘Glasgow’. “It’s my favorite song,” intimates Baron-Gracie. “Are you ready for Birmingham!”, the opening song to overwhelmed, “Glasgow” is performed, reinvigorating the audience with the demand, “You’re ready to just sing it!”, and restoring the reciprocity of the set.
“Birmingham, you had so much fun, thanks for having us!…THIS IS ‘JEALOUSY'”. The audience is absolutely and completely engaged in this piece. The edgier and punkier sound of their previous album closes their set with intense vocals, guitars, drums and stage movement, as well as passionate audience engagement. Pale Waves were so effective at keeping the crowd’s energy up throughout their set and saying goodbye with “I love the hell out of you, thank you” as they sent kisses goodbye.