Words: Darci Jackson
Photos: Maeve Wong
If there was ever a party we wanted to be at, it would be a Hinds party. DIY garage pop meets brazen characters and sickly-sweet tones. After four difficult years which nearly saw an untimely break up, Hinds have fought their way back to find themselves, with their latest album VIVA HINDS showcasing everything the Madrid based duo are here for.
It almost felt like a cool Spanish night strolling along the beach as the streets of Manchester embraced a mild evening with a warm breeze. Swedish band Clutter, armed with their loud vocals and brash noise, opened as Gorilla geared up to welcome Hinds with open arms.
Their cacophony of antics was brutalist and violating yet totally exhilarating. The display of versatility from vocalists Hilda Ander and Emma French was all the more heightened when the two were passing their bass and guitar between each other in between songs for most of the set. Clutter are unapologetically cluttered with a clatter of sound.
Arriving from a beautiful place called Madrid tonight, we are pleased to introduce Hinds. We hope you enjoy the show, read the giant backdrop on the stage, showcasing Hinds’ knack for theatrics and connection to home.
As Gorilla dimmed to black, the only light visible was that of a toy fish tank at the back of the stage, lit up in a fluorescent white light showing the ripples of water and the small fake fish swimming around.
Until Carlotta Cosials pranced her way onto the stage like a deer, taking after her band’s namesake, bottle of beer in hand and a grin on her face. Ana Perotte and the rest of their band followed (Paula Ruiz and María Lazaro), and as we stood in darkness, Cosials faced out to the room and uttered a mere “Light?” and suddenly we were doused not only in an orange sea but also (as Cosials let out a singular excited scream) the intense riff of Hi, How Are You.
“There’s a saying in Spain: it’s Friday and everybody knows it!” declared Perotte, as her and Cosials beamed out at the sold-out crowd. Both had the brightest smiles we’ve ever seen on a stage, effortlessly bouncing off and matching each other’s energy.
VIVA HINDS is the band’s first album to feature outsiders on the tracks, as Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten helps out on Stranger, and Beck adds some flair to Boom Boom Back, both of which were clearly big hitters with the fans.
The synchronised choreography of little steps and swaying back and forth during Coffee was summed up perfectly when in the silence that followed the rupture of applause was a singular “Slay!”
Which was then followed by a collective “Aww,” as Cosials was given a handmade sign reading “You are the coffee to my cigarettes.” Who’s cutting onions?
“No one’s watching you, everyone’s fucking watching us,” added Perotte after Cosials mentioned how “in the UK, there’s always a little mosh pit in the middle of the venue!” and were telling everyone to get involved and not be embarrassed. If there’s one thing us Brits know how to do well, it’s a mosh pit.
Hinds then danced their way through Burn, Just Like Kids (Miau) and Riding Solo, with their infectiously optimistic energy that spiralled its way around the room. Playing their instruments with such vigour and passion, it felt like this was their first night of the tour, and not at all like this was the fifth show they’d played just this week.
Describing supporting independent venues as “a revolution,” the duo reiterated the importance of the grassroots music scene. “Please keep coming to shows and independent venues. We’ll all be together.”
Covering Girl, so confusing by pop icon Charli xcx, and catapulting straight to the other end of the spectrum with Spanish Bombs by The Clash, Hinds really showcased their ability to take anything and put their own rich, charming spin on things.
They also touched on the struggles they’ve faced as a band in the past four years, thanking the audience for sticking with them through the highs but also the lowest of lows.
“Superstar is the last song we wrote for the album. If you knew us before, you know what it’s about,” mentioned Cosials before easing us into the emotionally evocative firecracker of a song.
And what a Superstar of a track. Pouring all the pent-up emotions into 3 minutes of pure release led to chants of “Viva Hinds,” as Cosials stood there mouthing “Wow,” as her and Perotte gazed out in pure awe at the eruption of applause and cheers. The two beamed and hopped about between each other, and for two people whose lives are on the stage, a moment of shyness almost appeared to manifest itself.
“Spanish people are known for being loud, but you guys are fucking loud!” added Perotte.
And if choreography and a fishtank weren’t enough, Cosials climbing onto Perotte’s shoulders as both played their guitars really sealed the deal that Hinds are a band that are a truly unique live experience.
Gliding towards the unfortunate ending to the show, En Forma was dedicated to anyone going through a breakup with its catchy chorus translating to “Look at me, I can’t take it anymore.”
“Welcome to the karaoke in Manchester!” joked Perotte, as both her and Cosials launched into a rendition of Que Será Será. And then ensued a bout of absolute chaos; inviting a fan on stage for Davey Crockett, bouncing in the crowd and passing the microphone to fans, and just like the rockstars they are, they ended by climbing onto the drumkit and jumping off on the final beat.
A jam packed headline which made it evidently clear why Hinds are a clear inspiration to anyone and everyone.