LIVE REVIEW: Exploring Birdsong @ Gorilla, Manchester
It’s funny when you think about it, but experiencing Liverpool’s EXPLORING BIRDSONG performing in the intimate confines of Gorilla in the neighbouring Manchester to celebrate their debut album in 2026 feels like it’s been long overdue. Years in the making almost. Well, as it happens, the trio have spent the best part of a decade cultivating their superb soundscapes, culminating in the long-awaited release of debut album, Every House We Built, released in June. Several months on from the album’s release, and with plenty of time for listeners to absorb the material, comes a string of select shows, an evening of delightful sounds to soundtrack the final days of summer.
With originally billed support HAILAKER withdrawing due to a family emergency, homegrown outfit GLASSHAVEN are tasked with being the sole support, and what passes is a pleasant 30 minute appetiser for the evening’s main festivities. In a total stripped, back, more acoustic-led approach to their more amplified alt rock, something vocalist Ali Angelini admits is completely fresh territory, but the quintet effectively translate their tunes into an environment wonderfully suited for EXPLORNING BIRDSONG, especially the likes of Sacrifice and fabulous set closer Poisoning The Well. Despite having just made their live debut back in June, there’s a slickness to the band, and especially in this more stripped back environment, there’s an intimacy that is just delightful. A lovely start.
Rating: 7/10
Although their career stretches back to nearly a decade, EXPLORING BIRDSONG have not clocked up serious tour mileage but for good reason, their short but intimate runs allow for a true and real connection to be built between band and fan. Gorilla is the perfect backdrop for this, and what follows is nothing short of sublime.
Building upon the lore and central theme of their debut – the vitality of interpersonal relationships and the human connection – under the guide of real estate agents (a unique shtick if any we’ve seen!), the band weave aural magic from start to finish. Archipelago is a spine-tingling, tear-jerking set opener, the first glimpse of Lynsey Ward‘s impeccable and impressive vocal range, while a quickfire run of 42, I_You, and The Collapse – a firm fan favourite from 2024 – sees BIRDSONG stretch their wings and soar.
With the show being a celebration of their long-awaited debut, it’s natural that forms the focus of the set. Normally, you’d expect a handful of cuts or at least 50%, but here, the truth is that we’re spoiled. With 11 of the album’s 12 tracks getting their live outings, we’re practically given an album playthrough, albeit in varying order to the album’s track list, and it’s a joy to experience. Footprints ebbs and flows naturally, with its chorus landing emphatically while Spy In The House Of Love is utterly infectious in its live rendition. Here, the harmonising vocals of Ward and backing singers Mathilda Riley and Paige Lucy really shines and the slick bass lines from Jonny Knight keep the crowd bopping throughout.
EXPLORING BIRDSONG are a special, special band and what we experienced in Manchester is reflective of their unique brilliance. The ability to weave a pleasant aural tapestry with immense musical prowess is no mean feat, but for this talented group, they have consistently taken our breath away from the first moment we heard them. The resulting hour flies in an instant and the outpouring of emotion from the crowd and the disbelief etched upon the faces of the band members upon their conclusion reflects that special, authentic connection that sits at the heart of their ethos.
Rating: 10/10
Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Manchester from Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography here:
Like EXPLORING BIRDSONG on Facebook.
