Friday, 25th October – Supporting Acts: The Kites and The Manatees

On a chilly Friday night in Manchester, Century Hall came alive with a lineup of rising British indie bands that turned the evening into an unforgettable showcase of talent, energy, and pure musical passion. Headlining the night were Manchester’s own The Covasettes, with support from Southampton-based The Manatee’s and Yorkshire favorites, The Kite’s. The result was a packed house, pulsing with eager fans and buzzing with anticipation from the first strum to the final encore.

There’s a special energy that only local Manchester gigs deliver, and last night at Century Hall was no exception. The Covasettes, one of the most promising indie bands on the rise, brought a night of punchy anthems and a dose of nostalgic, feel-good vibes that only bands cut from Manchester cloth can achieve.

The Kites
The night kicked off with The Kites, a young, edgy quartet hailing from Yorkshire. Brothers Joe (vocals) and Ollie (drums) drove the band with a raw charisma, while Jake on guitar and Elodie on bass added a dynamic intensity that set the tone for the evening. The Kites opened their set with “Drunk In Japan,” a track with driving riffs and introspective lyrics that stirred the early crowd. They followed up with fan favorites like “Living Room” and “Emily,Emily” and ended their set with an unreleased song “Heartbreak kid,” which earned them hearty cheers and claps of approval, proving their status as a band worth watching.

The Manattes
Next up was The Manatees, a Southampton-based indie rock band that brought their own laid-back, coastal energy to Century Hall. With singer and guitarist Jay Harris leading the way, Lead guitarist Tyler Bloom, and bassist James Miller along with Joe on drum’s and Issy on keys formed a tight, infectious rhythm section that got the crowd bouncing in anticipation. The crowd loved their popular song “Better Way To Think Of It,” a track that felt both anthemic and intimate, connecting easily with the Manchester crowd. Tracks like “Know You” and “Innocence of Youth” showcased their ability to blend lighthearted lyrics with punchy instrumentals, leaving the crowd buzzing and ready for the main act.

The Covasettes
Then, Finally, it was time for The Covasettes. With frontman Chris Buxton on lead vocals and guitar, Matt Hewlett on lead guitar, Jamie McIntyre on bass, and Matt Buckley on drums, the band’s presence electrified the room the moment they stepped on stage. The Covasettes kicked things off with “Spin,” a high-energy opener which instantly electrified the crowd, turning Century Hall into a sea of bouncing bodies. Chris Buxton’s vocals were smooth yet packed with energy, resonating effortlessly over the driving guitars and pulsating bass, followed by “Love In Polaroid” and “Sun Struck” Matt Hewlett’s lead guitar shone on every track, adding depth with precise riffs that perfectly complemented Buxton’s rhythm. McIntyre’s basslines, combined with Buckley’s relentless drumming, kept the energy high from start to finish but it was the high energy of Buxton that had the place jumping when dropping a fan favourite “Twit Twoo” that had the entire venue singing along. Their crisp, melodic sound and undeniable chemistry on stage were infectious, quickly turning the gig into a room-wide party.

Throughout the night, The Covasettes treated fans to a setlist packed with their best-loved tracks, including “Wave” and “Plastic Gold.” Each song seemed to resonate with the crowd, who knew every lyric. Midway through, they performed Oasis cover “Half the World Away,” which had the crowd singing in tandem with each other, followed by “Watching All The Good Ones Go” a song that balanced upbeat rhythms with emotive lyrics, showcasing the band’s versatility and range.

The show culminated with their encore hits “Duvet Thief ,”and “The Memory Chaser” two explosive closers that had everyone dancing, jumping, and singing in unison. It was the perfect high to end on, leaving no doubt that The Covasettes are a band bound for bigger stages. With their mix of relatable lyrics, undeniable musical talent, and an infectious stage presence, The Covasettes are a true indie gem, and last night’s show solidified them as a Manchester favorite.

Final Thoughts, The Covasettes brought a raw, energetic, and downright enjoyable performance to Century Hall, proving they’re more than just an indie band on the rise—they’re a force to be reckoned with. Supported by The Manatee’s and The Kite’s, the night was a showcase of incredible young talent, each band bringing their unique style and leaving the crowd craving more. For fans of the UK indie scene, this was a night that confirmed something special: The Covasettes are well on their way to becoming Manchester’s next big export.

Live review by Gareth Johnson

All live photo footage by Gareth Johnson