MIK SABIERS savours the first headline solo show of the stalwart of Brighton’s indie-punk outfit Blood Red Shoes
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Potential but little pop power from Pale Waves
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Pale Waves
Shepherds Bush Empire, London/Touring
WITH debut album My Mind Makes Noises just dropped and an expectant crowd clamouring at the front, darkness descends and dry ice kicks in as Manchester's Pale Waves emerge on stage. They're greeted by a sea of phones and a chorus of cheers, with the biggest for lead singer Heather Baron-Gracie.
Signed to Dirty Hit, backed by The 1975's Matty Healy, shortlisted for the BBC's Sound of 2018 — they were fifth — and winners of the 2018 NME Under the Radar award as one to watch, Pale Waves are playing their biggest headline show.
And they know how to get the crowd on side, immediately launching into Television Romance, a stand-out track combining their standard indie-goth guitar fare with would-be anthemic choruses.
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