ShareBlossoms performing their Gary Tour at Rock City Nottingham on Wednesday 23rd October 2024.
Images and Review by Kevin Cooper
It is eleven years since Blossoms began rehearsing in Charlie Salt’s grandfathers scaffold yard and five albums later they have built up a loyal and loud fan base who on Wednesday night at Rock City came for a massive sing along.
Without missing a beat the Stockport quintet launched straight into Your Girlfriend, that saw the crowd bop along before they yelled along to the instrumental bits of old favourite I Can’t Stand It.
Over the years Blossoms have become funkier, making use of Salt’s nimble bass lines especially on the likes of new song I Like Your Look. Delivering a set list that was a well crafted mix of fan favourite classics and exciting new tracks from their latest album, Gary, there was not a song that did not involve the collective participation of this sold out crowd.
Without doubt, front man Tom Ogden is hypnotic to watch, echoing the stylistic influence of Jarvis Cocker whilst at the same time putting his own stamp on the proceedings. He had no qualms about encouraging the crowd to scream or yell on new songs Big Star and Mothers whilst the crowd quietened for Perfect Me.
Getaway from their debut album was beautifully sweet but sombre, with its haunting keyboards and rock driven guitar riffs, all elevated by Ogden’s gorgeously opulent vocals. He didn’t bother with the first verse of The Keeper, knowing that the crowd would sing it for him. Oh No (I Think I’m In Love) went down a storm with its irresistible sing along chorus as did If You think This Is Real Life.
Gary, named after an eight foot gorilla that the band claimed to have stolen from a garden centre, didn’t make an appearance but it has been immortalised with their single and album of the same name. Main set closer My Favourite Room saw the band all come together at the front of the stage for a beautiful acoustic version before an encore of bangers which included There’s A Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls) and Charlemagne produced the biggest sing alongs of the night.
