LIVE REVIEW: Makeout & Keep Flying – Deaf Institute, Manchester – 17/08/2025

There’s a beauty in seeing two amazing and unique bands come together to create a truly dynamic show, and Makeout and Keep Flying’s co-headline did just that. We caught the Manchester date, supported by the city’s own When Suddenly and the ever-talented Misery Kids, and were blown away by just how electrifying a rock show on a Sunday night could be. When Suddenly kicked things off with tight, punchy riffs and infectious hooks, immediately pulling the crowd in, while Misery Kids followed with darker, more intense energy, their driving guitars and emotive vocals getting the audience bouncing and singing along. By the time Makeout and Keep Flying took the stage, the atmosphere was electric. Makeout’s catchy, hook-heavy anthems had fans shouting back every word, and Keep Flying’s brassy, high-octane performance transformed the night into a whirlwind of sound, movement, and sheer fun. Each band brought its own flair, proving that a well-curated line-up is enough on its own for something special.

When Suddenly took to the stage with boundless energy, immediately setting the tone for the night. They opened with fan-favourites like Here Comes Another and Night Drive, each song delivered with tight, punchy riffs and infectious enthusiasm that had the crowd hooked from the first note. Paying homage to their Manchester roots, the band performed Hulme Garden Centre, prompting cheers and applause from a predominantly local audience who clearly appreciated the nod to home. Mid-set, they surprised fans by bringing out Keep Flying’s John James Ryan to add saxophone to their sound, giving one of the tracks an extra layer of brassy energy that elevated the performance even further. Throughout their set, When Suddenly radiated genuine excitement and pop-punk charm, flawlessly kicking off the night and leaving the crowd buzzing for the bands to come.

Misery Kids took to the stage radiating the sun-soaked vibes they’re so well known for, bringing an instant warmth and brightness to the room. They wasted no time launching into fan favorites like Burning Up and Find That Rhythm, both delivered with infectious energy that had the crowd moving and singing along. Midway through their set, the band announced something special: a stripped-back version of All Or Nothing, dedicated to street team member Megan, who had personally requested it. The moment quickly turned into one of the highlights of the night—at the band’s suggestion, the entire crowd sat down on the floor, creating a hushed, intimate atmosphere that contrasted beautifully with the high-energy songs that had come before. It was a moment of connection that showcased a different side of Misery Kids, proving their ability to balance uplifting summer anthems with heartfelt, emotional depth.

Can you make wearing a neck brace punk rock? Keep Flying set out to prove just that, delivering an insanely high-energy performance that felt more like a full-scale variety show than a standard set. Even with member Rick Coates confined to a neck brace, the band never once slowed down, their energy as relentless as ever. Drawing heavily from their new album The Time And The Tide, including a storming rendition of Stormchaser, they kept the momentum at full tilt from start to finish. What made the set so unforgettable, though, were the antics woven seamlessly between songs—bandmates pulling practical jokes on each other, even slipping in magic tricks mid-performance—without ever losing their musical tightness. The fusion of brassy hooks, punk rock grit, and unshakable showmanship made their set feel larger than life. By the end, Keep Flying had proven once again why they’re a staple of modern punk rock, leaving behind a performance that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Closing out the night, Makeout hit the stage with the kind of confidence and punchy energy that only a seasoned pop-punk band can deliver. Their set was packed with hook-laden anthems, blending older fan favourites with material from their latest releases, each track sparking instant sing-alongs from the crowd. Songs like Childish and Home had the audience shouting back every word, while the band’s tight musicianship and playful stage presence kept the energy high throughout. Frontman Kyle Dee’s interaction with the crowd felt effortless, breaking down the barrier between stage and audience and creating a sense of community in the room. By the end of their set, Makeout had proven exactly why they remain such a vital name in modern pop-punk—bringing catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and the kind of raw energy that leaves fans walking out grinning, voices hoarse, and hearts full.

Across the evening, each band carved out their own moment, making the co-headliner far more than just another tour stop. When Suddenly opened with the kind of punchy, melodic pop-punk that instantly warmed up the room, their Manchester roots shining through and connecting with the crowd on a local level. Misery Kids shifted gears with their trademark summer-soaked energy, mixing upbeat anthems with a beautifully stripped-back All Or Nothing that turned the floor into a sea of fans sitting together in unison. Keep Flying pushed the boundaries of what a punk show could be: part concert, part variety act, part comedy but always underpinned by musical precision and heart. Finally, Makeout proved themselves the perfect closer, firing off a barrage of hook-heavy anthems that had voices hoarse and fists raised high right until the last note. Taken together, it was a night that showcased not only the strength of each individual act, but the power of punk rock as a community—turning an ordinary Sunday into something unforgettable.

Words by Ell Bradbury