LIVE REVIEW: Maybeshewill & Bossk @ Gorilla, Manchester

The reason was clear: the reputation of MAYBESHEWILL and BOSSK epitomises the depth and diversity of the post-rock genre. While BOSSK is celebrated for their powerful and intense soundscapes, MAYBESHEWILL crafts intricately cinematic compositions that captivate the soul. The duo is that juxtaposition that underscores the vast spectrum of possibilities within the post-metal genre. As the air thickened in the prestigious Gorilla room, it was buzzing with a high expectancy of a sonic journey that was about to unfold.

Gracing the stage first was an artist that modernisation knows no artistic boundary and was continually challenged. Crafted by the vocalist herself, the enthralling light display elevated the entire performance into a multi-sensory extravaganza, inviting the audience to immerse themselves fully in the ethereal world that Spain’s LYS MORKE had crafted. At the forefront of this sonic spectacle stood the delicate voice embodied a haunting beauty and remarkable power.

Contrasting between the gentle demeanour and raw vocal delivery was a visceral reaction that spoke volumes of the emotional depth displayed in full. While shattering any preconceived notions, this was a symphony of artistic expression defying genre constraints, lacing together intricate soundscapes, mesmerising visuals, and the vocalist’s otherworldly presence. The transformative encounter with LYS MORKE has left an indelible imprint, stirring a keen curiosity to explore more hidden gems within this genre.

Rating: 8/10

As the lights dimmed and the stage was bathed in an eerie glow, a wall of amplifiers loomed large, hinting at the sonic onslaught to come. The air crackled with huge eagerness as BOSSK took their positions, armed with arsenal that promised an auditory feast. Staying true to their reputation, the British sonic pummellers unleashed a torrent of sound that tested the limits of the human eardrums.

The amplifiers pushed relentlessly waves of distortion and the sheer volume was just enough to induce a state of sensory overload. This was more than just a band’s performance. It was sonic chaos. The setlist delved into the band’s violent discography, including their influential work Audio Noir. Each song was a labyrinth of emotions, going from depths of despair to the heights of elation. Sometimes, there were points during their set where it became a little too ferocious, which was viewed as an indication of every movement and each chord imbued on a deep level. For those who have yet to experience the roaring embrace of BOSSK, the message at the Gorilla venue was made clear that their live stage presence redefined one’s understanding of what heavy music can be.

Rating: 9/10

Through the tiers of contemporary post-metal music, it holds as a uniquely captivating genre to dive into. Few bands get the chance to encapsulate its essence vividly and with sensitivity. So, this gives the listener to MAYBESHEWILL. Hailing from the British epicentre of Leicester, the band has gained a recognisable fanbase with international acclaim for their ability to craft soundscapes that transcends many boundaries of old-fashioned metal music. Their live performances are a testament to their artistry that takes a platform to their vast inventory. The inexplicable quintet delved down into their musical archives, where the night displayed their notion of “let the music speak for itself”.

Unearthing the beloved aural duo Red Paper Lanterns and Seraphim & Cherubim, landed with the enchanting In Amber, induced many huge audible expressions of delight witnessed by the enthralled Mancunian audience. What made their sonic stories feel even more present on the night was the way that MAYBESHEWILL‘s stage presence was a union of dynamism and unwavering passion. The fluidity of their post-metal transitions navigated seamlessly between ethereal melodies and crushing atmospheres. The overall dynamics of all present on stage were a testament to their musical master, further creating a sensory experience that defied labelling the eclectic troupe.

The journey will not only broaden musical horizons, but also leave an indelible mark on one’s perception of sound. Whether if it was from the flavoursome Zarah or to the much-loved We’ve Arrived At The Burning Building, each song from the night’s setlist was thoughtfully curated. This seamlessly built up towards the grand finale of Not For Want Of Trying and the highlight of the show He Films The Clouds Pt 2. Here, the audience was granted with the rare opportunity to participate together. Right on cue, Manchester embraced joining every voice with ethereal sounds filling the venue. In that on cue minute, MAYBESHEWILL was the orchestra that guided the performance, while the audience at Gorilla became their choir, adding a new dimension of emotion and unity to the music. It’s performances like this reminds every spectator of the transcendent power of sonic art that and expand horizons, especially where words rarely take centre stage.

Rating: 8/10

Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Manchester from Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography here: 

Like MAYBESHEWILL and BOSSK on Facebook.