The last few years have seen Don Brocoās popularity has skyrocketed as they’ve cemented their dominance. That success was on full display during two sold-out nights at Aviva Studios in Manchester, with Magnolia Park, YONAKA and State Champs opening the shows.
Magnolia Park was first up, and the Florida-based quintet introduced their performance with an intentionally bad titanic soundtrack, thus throwing the audience into a dizzying and multisensory experience. As a band they pride themselves into being forward-thinking and dive into a genre-spanning sound. Incorporating sounds like metalcore, punk, rock, pop and hip-hop.
To kick off their short and punch set was the song Misfits, which immediately set off an outsider and defiant tone. Since, it had an energising and confrontational tone. To add to this performance, they had a backdrop which said, āJoin the vampiresā.
As their album VAMP delves into a neo-gothic concept album that showcases a world that is built around their favourite anime, Vampire Hunter D and is inspired by Dracula and Star Wars. SHALLOW is the band’s most well-known song as it captures their trademark intensity, while balancing emotional vulnerability. Depicting a sense of tension and pairing it with melodic hooks and distorted guitar tones.
Closing the performance was Animal, which brought the set full circle because it was a rap-infused metalcore track that invited movement and a collective, raw release, especially, during the song’s breakdown.
YONAKA were next and they did not come to play, commanding the stage with poise, confidence and clear intention. The band have been teasing their forthcoming album Until Youāre Satisfied, a record that signals a maturation in sound as YONAKA lean into a darker, more bold and distinctive identity, tackling themes of life, loss and love. This performance was also a personal one for me, as YONAKA were the first band I reviewed a year ago, bringing with it a real sense of pride and accomplishment.
The band started their performance off with Predator, which instantly grabbed the audience’s attention with its attitude and feisty aggression. Especially, when it came to vocalist Theresa Jarvis singing the catchy and anthemic chorus. Hit Me When Iām Sore is the newest single that they have released and it made for a confrontational yet vulnerable feeling. As the lyrical repetition āIāve been here beforeā and āHit me when I’m soreā shows the pattern and repeating cycle of being hurt but becoming almost immune to it and not succumbing to the feeling of pain that it brings.
Seize The Power was the perfect song to close the set with, as its message of empowerment brought the performance to a cathartic close.
State Champsā set was drenched in the kind of high school heartbreak nostalgia that defined a generation of pop-punk fans. It was amongĀ the band’s last shows of the year, and the set was non-stop fun, with energetic punk rhythms, relatable lyrics and melodic hooks.Ā TheyĀ started their performance with Silver Cloud, which sets up an energetic and vibrant tone. Depicting infectious hooks and soaring melodies with Derek DiScanio vocals. Mine Is Gold followed suit and the track maintained this momentum with it containing upbeat rhythms from the instrumentals. Showcasing the bands signature style of singalong choruses and feel-good, pop-punk anthems.
Hell Of It injects a playful, yet rebellious edge to the performance. Pairing witty lyrical themes with high-energy instrumentals. The Constant provides a more reflective tone for the performance. Depicting relatable themes of personal growth, self-discovery and love. The track Criminal picks up the pace again, with its melodic and emotionally charged vocals from DiScanio that showcase the bandās dynamic range.
The set closed with Secrets, their most popular song, which carries the classic nostalgic and longing sound pop-punk is known for, bringing emotional resonance for the audience. State Champs took the audience on a rollercoaster of fun and reflection, proving once again why they remain a staple of the modern pop-punk scene.
Finally, the Bedford heavyweights Don Broco were up next to headline, and they wasted no time erupting into Cellophane, a punchy and energetic opener that immediately set the tone for a high-octane performance. The momentum carried straight into Gumshield, a fan-favourite combining witty lyricism with the bandās signature mix of heavy riffs and infectious hooks, making it impossible not to sing along. Euphoria followed, giving the crowd a moment to lift their voices to soaring choruses and soaking in the aptly euphoric atmosphere.
A highlight of the night was the band teasing a new song True Believers. Heavy and hefty, the track features Rob Damiani exclaiming āWake the fuck up!ā before diving into a gnarly breakdown, it stands as one of Don Brocoās heaviest songs to date. Itās clear that this track is building anticipation for their 2026 album, which Damiani confirmed is ready for release early next year. The energy didnāt let up with riff-driven track Uber, whose catchy guitar riffs, tight rhythms and rebellious edge had the audience bouncing along.Ā
Don Broco also brought a reflective pause to the set with an acoustic version of You Wanna Know, which was led by Damiani and guitarist Simon Delaney. It made for a stripped-back moment, highlighting the raw vulnerability behind the lyrics. Another standout acoustic moment was Further with YONAKA, a collaborative and emotional performance where Jarvisā angelic harmonies paired beautifully with Damianiās vocals, creating an intimate and heartfelt experience. Endorphins then came and hit with full force, pushing the crowd to jump, mosh, and lose themselves in the adrenaline-pumping performance.
Damiani and Pete Daynes even crowd-surfed during the set, as Damiani had been eager all tour, and it was finally his lucky night. No Don Broco show would be complete without the iconic wave of T-shirts for T-Shirt Song, a playful anthem that unites fans in laughter and chaos. The set closed with Hype Man, another newly released single, which gave off a nu-metal and fury feel while capturing the idea that everyone needs someone to lift their spirits and cheer them on. The track celebrates personal victories and offers encouragement and support, especially for those going through struggles. Everyone needs a personal hype man.
Overall, it was a versatile and stacked set full of anthemic hits, playful humour, and intimate acoustic moments. The extravagant show production and visuals made for two spectacular sold-out nights in Manchester. Being in the audience at a Don Broco show, youāre guaranteed to stomp, sweat, mosh and swing a T-shirt or two. With a new album on the horizon, their energy and ambition show that Don Broco are only just getting started, and the future has never looked brighter for the band.
Words by Zena Morris
