Last night Pale Waves brought their Smitten Tour to Birmingham for a stellar show at the O2 Institute. The tour celebrates the release of their fourth studio album Smitten which came out just a few weeks ago. Having been over two years since the band played Birmingham there was an air of excitement amongst fans, eager to hear both the new and old tracks. 

A steady stream of people flooded into the venue before the opening act, Swim School, took to the stage. Lead vocalist Alice Johnson had infectious energy and captivated the crowd brilliantly as they worked their way through their set. The band started the evening on a high and will have undoubtedly picked up some new fans after their performance. 

Soon the stage was set for Pale Waves. Two chandeliers sat either side of the drum kit whilst vines and statues were scattered around the stage, paying homage to their most recent album cover. ‘I saw her standing there and I was smitten’ played through the venue before the band invited us into the world of Smitten with ‘Perfume’ and ‘Not a Love Song’. 

The opening run of tracks were filled with what Pale Waves do best- big synths, bright guitars and soaring choruses.

‘Birmingham, can I ask you a question?’ Heather Baron Gracie spoke into the mic referring to the chorus of ‘There’s a Honey’ before the band kicked into the track’s catchy riff. The opening run of tracks were filled with what Pale Waves do best- big synths, bright guitars and soaring choruses. 

From the dreamy guitars of ‘Gravity’ to Heather’s beautifully haunting vocals on ‘Last Train Home’, the tracks from Smitten translated immensely well in a live environment and demonstrated the band’s versatility. Between the new ones, the band treated us to plenty of classic Pale Waves songs including ‘Drive’ and ‘Eighteen’. The audience responded excitedly to the older tracks and there was an overwhelming sense of joy in these moments. 

Heather must be applauded for her dazzling stage presence as she effortlessly commanded the chandelier-lit stage. Pausing amidst the whirlwind of hits, Heather gives the crowd two options for the next song, encouraging fans to cheer for their favourite. ‘Red’ won the vote and we were suddenly transported to 2018 with red neon lights and a synth-pop melody. 

Heather’s distinctive vocals paired with the jangly guitars and airy melody was a real treat for the ears. 

Ciara, Hugo and Charlie were the beating heart of the performance, flawlessly bringing the songs to life with relentless energy. ‘Thinking About You’ quickly became a new personal favourite Pale Waves song after hearing it live, Heather’s distinctive vocals paired with the jangly guitars and airy melody was a real treat for the ears. 

Quintessential Pale Waves tracks ‘Television Romance’ and ‘She’s My Religion’ powerfully closed the main set with the audience singing along to every word. For the latter, Heather proudly sported a pride flag after discussing her own sexuality prior to the song. They finished the track and the band exited the stage, eliciting cheers and chants from the crowd.

Riddled with angst, pop-punk track ‘Jealousy’ was the final song of the night and the atmosphere was electric as the band left the stage.

‘Birmingham, you ready?…’ asked Heather upon re-entering the stage, ‘…this is my favourite song!’. ‘Glasgow’ lifted the pace of the show and it was clear to see the band enjoyed playing this one. Riddled with angst, pop-punk track ‘Jealousy’ was the final song of the night and the atmosphere was electric as the band left the stage.

I’ve seen Pale Waves live countless times now and with each of their eras and albums they offer something new with their shows. They are a band that flourish in a live atmosphere and their songs transcend incredibly on stage. Smitten has provided Pale Waves with some fantastic tunes which I hope to hear again soon in the near future.

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