Stretford’s finest blessed Night And Day Café in Manchester with her smooth-like-chocolate vocals and rich-like-cake ensemble was the perfect almost-weekend treat.
This tour spanned three locations: Dublin, London and Manchester (she definitely saved the best til last), with each date having its own support act.
The show at beloved Northern Quarter venue Night And Day Café saw the soul star championing another local singer-songwriter, Ewan Sim.
His setlist was as fresh as they can get, probably because his EP ‘Sense Of It All’ released the morning of the show – it’s not the first time we’ve come across him but we’ll definitely be giving it a listen in full.
Lusaint delivering a spellbinding performance at Night And Day Café, Manchester.Lusaint and her band sold out Night And Day Café in Manchester, on Friday.Credit: Audio North
Lusaint opened her showcase with a performance of ‘Neon Lights’ which was as cathartic as anticipated, with its funk sounds and loose instrumental livening the crowd.
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‘Fool For You’ has a slowed-down Eliza Doolittle doo-wop feel to it with its colourful instrumental and bird-tweet-like vocals.
The higher-pitched vocal intonations at the end of each line in the chorus scratch a certain itch in my brain and hearing this live, had me hooked all over again.
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But enough about me describing the track, check it out for yourself here, it’s not my fault if you get hooked.
Stunning.
Lusaint’s ‘Dark Horse’ was a reminder of just how personal these songs are, as she delivered a rendition that was more emotive than its studio version.
Although the venue was comfy and cosy, Lusaint felt untouchable, and with the catastrophic heights her career is reaching I’d say that description is very fitting.
Luckily for us, we recently got the opportunity to rub shoulders with the vocalist ahead of her show, just a stone’s throw away from the venue where she played.
In case you couldn’t tell through the camera, she was an absolute joy.
Watching her live is hypnotising, her music really is soul-healing, it’s no wonder that her upcoming EP is titled ‘Apothecary’, she knows how to concoct the perfect melody.
She played fans a handful of songs they can expect to hear including ‘Joking’ which might be coming as soon as next month – my Spotify Wrapped isn’t ready for this one.
Her covers of timeless classics, ‘Feeling Good’ by Nina Simone and ‘Crazy’ by Gnarls Barkley, were met with a pleasant sing-along from the crowd and an open-mouthed crowd stood wide-eyed watching Lusaint belt.
After performing at The Pink Room, Albert Hall and now Night And Day Café, we’d wager every Manchester city centre venue will soon be fighting over which stage she’ll be gracing next.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall Manchester – groovy, hazy and effortlessly cool
Clementine Hall
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall proved exactly why they’ve built such a cult following over the past decade.
Formed in 2010 by frontman Ruban Nielson, the band first broke through with their scrappy, lo-fi self-titled debut and since then, they’ve become known for their signature blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and warped pop.
I first saw the band back in 2023 at Glastonbury, and yes sorry I am one of those annoying people that bring it up all the time.
They’re the perfect band to close your eyes, sway your head and tap your foot to – and that’s exactly what the crowd were doing in unison last night at the Albert Hall.
Image: The Manc Group
From the second they stepped on stage, there was no rush – just that signature hazy groove met with enough stage lights to sink a ship.
You could barely see them on stage, but that made it even cooler. And you can only imagine how gorgeous the Albert Hall looked with hundreds of spotlights in different colours whizzing all over it.
Early tracks simmered and pulled us in before the band stretched out into crowd pleasers like ‘Multi-Love’ and ‘Hunnybee’. What an absolute tune by the way.
Image: The Manc Group
There wasn’t much crowd interaction but, again, there didn’t need to be. They let the music do the talking and by treating us to some of the most epic guitar solos we’ve ever heard (no, seriously), we’ll forgive them for not talking to us.
Each song melted into each other as the band oozed effortless charm and talent throughout the almost two hour set, which is no mean feat.
Of course, a sea of phones shot up for ‘So Good at Being in Trouble‘, their most popular track which prompted a harmonious audience singalong. Not very harmonious by me, admittedly.
It was a fantastic ending that left the audience feeling united by the laidback brilliance of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and I hope they don’t leave it too long to come back this time.
Review | Leon Thomas at Manchester Academy – ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’ but this gig healed me
Thomas Melia
American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas visited Manchester Academy last night, performing hits from his deluxe album to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,600.
One year after an exclusive London MUTT Live date, Mr Thomas returns to the UK with the ‘MUTTS DON’T HEEL’ Tour, venturing to five cities, including the music capital of the North: Manchester.
The night started off just how it should’ve done with ‘HEEL’, as the audience were welcomed by the drum-loop and a chill atmosphere from the start.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Leon Thomas gig without at least one Ty Dolla $ign collaboration making the setlist, and there’s plenty to choose from with a new one dropping just over a month ago, ‘miss u 2’.
Leon Thomas performing hits at Manchester Academy (Credit: Audio North)
The funk-influenced musician opted for ‘FAR FETCHED’, and the audience was in the palm of his hand. No matter which of the four link-ups he chose, it was always going to go down well – Manchester never disappoints.
Leon didn’t even have to ask the crowd to bring more energy; they already matched him. When he sings, “For someone who don’t ask for favours, I’ve done way too many favours”, on ‘PARTY FAVORS’, he really meant it.
Last year, Leon Thomas dropped PHOLKS, a project which saw him exploring old-school funk and soul sounds even further and ‘Just How You Are’ had even the shyest dancer pulling out a little two step.
This isn’t the only hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy; ‘Baccarat’ and its impressive psychedelic guitar solo had jaws literally falling to the floor at Manchester Academy.
His songs might not be dramatic or extravagant, but they don’t need to be. Leon’s artistry prevails when he’s softly singing, and you’re still able to detect each instrument.
Leon Thomas brought the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour to Manchester Academy (Credit: The Manc)
‘Breaking Point’ is an easy-listening soul track that had all 2,600 Leon Thomas fans in our feelings as we realised we were coming to the end of a phenomenal concert.
And of course, ‘Mutt’ – his biggest single to date: a bouncy and swag-filled number that sticks in your head for weeks on end – sounded even better when backed by a live band as I discovered last night.
There was some insane musicality, distinct bangers and impeccable live arrangements that elevated the original studio recordings. Maybe ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’, but Leon Thomas definitely healed me.
He wasn’t the only cool cat playing last night either:
Thomas Melia -
16th March 2025 
