It’s been five years since New Years Day performed at headline show in Manchester, previously at Club Academy. This time, instead of heading down into the depths of the basement, it’s up to the top of the University of Manchester’s Students Union building into the intimate setting of a sold-out Academy 3. It’s the final show of the tour – following the release of New Years Day’s 2024 full length, Half Black Heart. There’s a wide array of fans eagerly waiting, including those clearly inspired by NYD’s Ash Costello and sporting their own half-red, half-black dyed hair. But there are also those awaiting to hear Conquer Divide bring their latest full length Slow Burn brought to life and see Fearless Vampire Killers after their time away.
It’s an evening celebrating long awaited returns as UK outfit Fearless Vampire Killers are first to take to the stage, they themselves having recently returned from hiatus. There’s a gothic-edged theatricality to the band. Dressed in matching waistcoats and eyeliner, it’s not just their appearance that harkens back to the 2000s alternative era of music. I’m transported straight back to that period of my life, as are, I think, many of the audience members. Fearless Vampire Killers’ sound carries wide appeal ranging from heavier riff driven tracks with edgy, aggressive rock vocals, amidst more emotive moments. Their performance draws to a close with Neon In The Dance Halls, a high energy yet dark and moody end to the set.
The transatlantic metalcore act Conquer Divide explode onto the stage with Slow Burn’s opener Atonement. Their compelling sound brings a boost of power, alongside well balanced soaring clean vocals from Kiarely “Kia” Castillo, and fierce harsh from Spencer Maybe, who is joining the band on tour following the departure of Janel Duarte last year. The dark and electronic fuelled Paralyzed soon has the whole room singing along to the track’s chorus hook before the brutal breakdown hits. Dedicated to all the weirdos and emos in room (so, basically everyone), the emotional resonance and poignance of the INVISIBLE reinforces just how meaningful, how important, this kind of music can be for those seeking solace or comfort in a world in which they/we are ‘other’. It’s music to mosh out to and connect with. Bringing back the energy for Conquer Divide’s newest single Bad Dreams, their time on the stage reaches its end with the epic welcome2paradise.
New Years Day bring a bloodthirsty heaviness to the stage with their seductive and heavy Vampyre. Ash’s charisma emanates from her powerhouse vocals and friendly chat between tracks while a thundering heaviness radiates from guitarists Jeremy Valentyne and Nikki Misery. Revisiting previous albums, the highly catchy Come For Me sees energy levels rise, along with Shut Up and Disgust Me. Amidst the set list, drummer Tommy Rockoff is let loose with a drum solo section—it’s great to see more bands starting to bring back the inclusion of a drum solo in their live shows. The atmosphere is electric and even technical difficulties mid-set don’t dampen the mood, instead providing an opportunity to celebrate the final night of the tour and shine a spotlight on crew members behind the scenes. Deciding the stage of Academy 3 isn’t quite intimate enough, Ash, joined by guitarist Nikki, venture into the crowd for their performance Skeletons, before deciding to hang out a little longer with the crowd. New Years Day bring their all determined to make it a night to remember—there’s a lot of love in the room. Hopefully next time, they won’t wait five years to come back.
Words by Holly Royle
