Words & Photos : Izzi Glover
Have you ever seen Zak take a piss?
Finney took the stage at one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most iconic venues, The Underground, and dare I say it was their best performance to date.
With support from Stoke talent The Groves and The Dregs, the crowd was suitably warmed up, ready for some indie bangers and the ultimate dream-pop experience.
The lights dimmed as the band made their way onto the stage, a single neon sign reading “Finney” glowing pink and illuminating the band and crowd in an intimate setting.
Opening with an 80s pop anthem, the crowd erupted in response to the happy guitar riffs and warm synths.
If there’s one thing about Finney, it’s that they know how to get the crowd involved. Playing old classics, that have basically become Stoke anthems at this point, ended in clapping and dancing all throughout the underground.
When it came to Moonlight, vocalist and guitarist Adam explained to the crowd that this song was for him and no one else, “this one's for me, I love this song”. Synchronised waving from the crowd helped support Adam during this very personal performance for him, which he executed effortlessly. This song was the perfect turning point in separating the set.
After putting on an excellent show, the band said their goodbyes and left the stage. The crowd were eager for more (as was I) and were chanting “encore, encore, encore!”
The music stops, all is still, when Adam’s voice begins out of nowhere, asking for the lights to be turned back on. One thing to mention is that the Finney lighting set-up is something to behold. Illuminating all sides of the stage and flashing with the beats is something that Stoke doesn’t see very often. Hats off to them for making it all by themselves.
The lights turn back on at Adam’s request and he explains that drummer Zak is using the toilet, resulting in a chant from Adam and the crowd regarding Zak’s situation.
Zak returns to the stage with a well deserved cheer, and bows.
All band members return for the encore of the century.
To The River is always Finney’s last song and they always go out with a bang. Adam displaying his best vocals and Zak gifting us with the only drum solo you’ll ever need to see. Nothing says epic finish like the end of a Finney show.
Finney will be playing Keele Ballroom in December, a show everyone needs to attend.
