Sea Fever are a dynamic five-piece electronica band that have made a significant mark on the Manchester music scene since they formed in 2019. Led by Iwan Gronow (Haven, Johnny Marr) on vocals and guitar, the line-up also features the captivating voice of Beth Cassidy (Section 25). Joining them are New Order’s Tom Chapman, who contributes bass, guitars, synths, and programming, alongside Phil Cunningham on guitar. Rounding out the group’s pulsating sound is drummer Elliot Barlow. After releasing their debut album in 2021, they’ve been tantalising fans with new tracks from their upcoming record during their recent shows. We had the pleasure of witnessing their electrifying homecoming at Manchester’s Gorilla on Saturday 2nd November.
In a bold move, the band opened the show with a brand new track, ‘Breaking Out’ – an instantly infectious tune that pairs funky guitar riffs with an irresistible groove. The anthemic ‘Built to Last’ followed, captivating the audience with its punchy bassline and dynamic drumbeat. The band then launched into another new track, ‘Triggers Us’. An upbeat track that perfectly captures Sea Fever’s signature sound, it was no surprise that the crowd embraced it like an old friend.
As the pulsating beat of ‘Under Duress’ began, the vibrant visuals projected on the screen behind the band – courtesy of Patcchd International – demanded everyone’s attention, further enhancing the slickness of the band’s live performances. Next was a powerful trio of new tracks. ‘Thrills, Kicks and Lies’ which showcased Beth’s angelic vocals at the forefront, while the funky ‘Shouldn’t Have Been This Way’ was driven by Tom’s magnetic bass line and Phil’s captivating guitar work. Jokingly introduced as a Halloween song by Iwan, the dynamic ‘Truth Dare’ was a standout moment in the set, showcasing not only the band’s seamless fusion of individual talents but also the undeniable joy they share while playing together.
Next up was the electrifying ‘Le Coup’, its boundless energy matched by Beth’s high-spirited vocals as she took the lead once again, igniting the crowd with every note. After the fresh yet familiar ‘Go to Ground’, the crowd was treated to the live debut of ‘Sincere to Some’. Blending deep, heavy bass-lines with soaring pop melodies, ‘Dilemma’ served as the penultimate track of the evening, building momentum before the band capped off a triumphant set with what could be their most electrifying live anthem. Infused with electro-disco energy, ‘De Facto’ never fails to deliver a euphoric peak in their performance and is consistently well received by the crowd.
A collaboration years in the making, Sea Fever’s chemistry on stage is undeniable and it’s clear that they’ve cultivated a dedicated following. Their debut album was a resounding success, and judging by the wealth of new material showcased at Gorilla, their follow-up promises to be just as powerful. Here’s hoping that a release date announcement is just around the corner!
