Concertgoers at Manchester's Aviva Studios were handed an unusual accessory upon entry: earplugs. This precaution set the stage for what was to become a truly physical musical experience as My Bloody Valentine returned to the stage for their first tour in seven years.
The Volume as an Instrument
Why not simply turn down the volume? For this legendary band, that would fundamentally change the nature of their performance. The overwhelming sound isn't just heard—it's felt throughout the body. Attendees experienced bass drums that resonated like heartbeats and the peculiar sensation of their ribcages vibrating with the music.
During the encore, the noise reached such ferocious intensity that it created the illusion of a gale-force wind tugging at clothing. This multi-sensory approach transforms a typical concert into something far more immersive and physically engaging.
Pioneers Reclaiming Their Sound
While credited with inventing the ethereal, effects-heavy genre of shoegaze—currently enjoying a renaissance among the TikTok generation—My Bloody Valentine demonstrated they have more in common with noise experimentalists than the gentler bands that followed in their wake.
At the centre of this audio maelstrom, however, lies an unexpected prettiness. Bilinda Butcher's gentle vocals provided delicate counterpoint to the walls of shrieking sound generated by Kevin Shields. Lovely melodies somehow emerged distinct and clear amidst the chaos.
The foundation of this complex sound rested firmly with bassist Debbie Googe and drummer Colm Ó Cíosóig, whose relentless rhythm section drove the band's unfathomably intermeshing textures forward.
A Rare and Special Event
The Irish-English band's infrequent touring schedule—this marks their first outing in seven years—makes each appearance feel particularly significant. It's startling to recall that they initially developed their revolutionary sound in modest pub venues, a far cry from the cavernous spaces with stunning visual productions they now command.
The near two-hour performance traced their evolution toward what might be described as a form of aural sculpture. A poignant moment occurred when Shields dedicated their 1990 landmark track Soon to the late Stone Roses bassist Mani, noting "he loved this."
Technical difficulties struck twice during the song, causing two separate interruptions, yet even a subsequent two-minute pause failed to diminish the show's powerful momentum or reduce the necessity for those distributed earplugs.
The evening culminated with the astonishing closer You Made Me Realise, featuring its legendary several-minute middle section of pure, pulverising noise. This overwhelming sonic experience surely represents the closest guitar, bass and drums have ever come to approximating the sound of an apocalypse.
The band continues their UK tour at OVO Arena, London on 25 November and OVO Hydro, Glasgow on 27 November.
