LIVE REVIEW: Sertraline @ The Bread Shed, Manchester

Bittersweet is the defining word to describe Thursday’s affair at The Bread Shed in Manchester. Many were excited to merely be at a live show, while others were preparing to say goodbye to SERTRALINE vocalist Lizzie Parry. She announced this would be her final tour with the prog metal band after seven years in this video only last month. Forming in Stoke-On-Trent in 2014 before upping roots to Manchester and Leeds, this was the hometown show of the tour, making it extra special.

First opener ALEYA truly marked themselves as ones to watch from the start. Despite their positioning on the line-up and having only performed their first show a month ago, frontman and vocalist Tom Evans treated their short set as though they were headlining. Their ferocious yet melodic metalcore sound was cemented in his powerful range of clean and screamed vocals, as well as Sam Lawson’s grand riffs which reverberated throughout the room, setting the bar incredibly high for the rest of the night.

Rating: 8/10

Next came LOST IN LAVENDER TOWN, who provided something refreshing and completely unexpected. The instrumental prog six-piece were a marvel to watch as every member was playing with such precision and technicality during each song’s fast tempo. They cohesively soared from one track to another within their video game-inspired setlist, which featured some really impressive and anthemic riffs. However, as is the downfall of many instrumental acts (especially those who dabble in math rock beats), some sections translated as unpolished amalgamations of sounds that needed the big riffs to pull them out of the repetitive cycles. Overall though, LOST IN LAVENDER TOWN left the stage having exceeded any and all expectations of instrumental art.

Rating: 7/10

Main tour supports DREAMEATER reintroduced vocals once again, opening with gnarly track I Play God featuring gruff metalcore-style screams. From the second they started, they asserted themselves with passion and confidence, demanding everyone come as close as possible. Almost every song was made up of thrashing rhythms, seething riffs, guttural growls and a gargantuan breakdown that everyone felt in their bones. However, they proved that they were more than just a stereotypical hardcore collection as they performed an unreleased track featuring trap beats, rapping and a more prominent backing track. Just as with LOST IN LAVENDER TOWN, watching every member perform with such expertise and enthusiasm was enough to keep the crowd engaged as they explored more than just the blueprint elements of the genre.

Rating: 9/10

When the moment finally came for SERTRALINE to close the show, anticipation grew. Members Mike Hawkings, Tom Wilson and Si Douglas broke out into opening track Vivid, which is one of the few single to be released following Parry’s departure. Bounding onto the stage, her screams were projected to hit every surface in the venue, leaving her mark. Their emotional and heartfelt songs, such as 2205 and Relapse, were all made even more poignant knowing it would be the last time her sensational vocals would carry their messages. These two songs in particular came accompanied with messages of how much they mean to her and that everyone present was enough.

Despite the bittersweet nature of this tour, guitarists Hawkings and Wilson performed with such huge smiles on their faces throughout; their passion for their music and finally being able to play live again resonating with everyone witnessing this. Hawkings in particular was able to express his talent even further in another unreleased song Coda which featured a guitar solo that prevailed like no other. Elements like this implied the other developments SERTRALINE are secretly preparing for behind the scenes.

It took until the second half of the set for Parry to actually address her departure, still full of joy as she wished her bandmates the best. After closing with major hit track Isolation, she was presented with a present from them all and they shared a little moment that felt almost invasive to have been a part of. Not leaving on such a melancholy note, they sprung into the great Screaming For Sleep. The song didn’t peter away into silence, rather an eruption of cheers that the four of them thoroughly deserved.

It’s safe to say whoever is to fill Lizzie Parry’s shoes will have great expectations to meet after all she’s showcased over the last few years, and any musical endeavours that may be to follow are certified to be just as brilliant.

Rating: 9/10

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