This is the sort of show that feels like it defines a band, especially Fontaines D.C.. Since Dogrel was released in 2019, they’ve barely stopped, morphing into a juggernaut along the way that’s transcended Irish post-punk into something huge and world-conquering. While their biggest headline show might’ve taken place in London about a month ago, the aura around them at Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park has felt a lot more palpable.
That’s been swirling around for ages, and is now, naturally, at its fever pitch. At ground level, the atmosphere and flag-cracking weather doesn’t hurt in the slightest; the music, though, is where the real magic lies. It’s a swathe of acts who’ve all shown vocal support for Palestine, no less Kneecap, the foremost bringers of ‘controversy’ who’ve not themselves be silenced by ongoing, amounting (and cowardly) pressure campaigns. Alongside them are English Teacher and The Murder Capital, two bands with no shortage of amassed acclaim in post-punk, and who’ve been among those really pushing the social and stylistic standards of their medium for a while now. It’s no small part as to why this show feels so significant, aided by all involved. Ben Whitehurst headed down to catch the momentous evening for us.
The Murder Capital
English Teacher
Kneecap
Fontaines D.C.
Photos by Ben Whitehurst (Instagram)
