LIVE REVIEW
17/10/2024 - Pale Waves, The Outernet, London 17/10/2024
Source: Helen Tate.Image Source: Image by Kelsi Luck via Instagram (@shotbykelsi)
Words By Emily Jade Ricalton
Fun, sweet and joyful. Three words that perfectly sum up Pale Waves’ live show at The Outernet last month. Embarking on their UK tour for their fourth debut album, Smitten, this four-piece band prove that they are still the epitome of teenage indie-pop.
Supported by the likes of Swim School, this concert was a reflection of youth. With this Scottish three-piece being so perfectly paired with the sound of Pale Waves, the concert was set up to be a good show. Swim School were decent for an up-and-coming band, proving that they are definitely one to watch out for.
With the support act finishing their eight-song setlist, Pale Waves commenced their sold-out show.
Kicking off their London show with the lead-single from Smitten, Perfume, Pale Waves set the scene for the night. With the album being inspired by her teenage diary and the emotions Heather Baron-Gracie felt in regards to her early queer relationships, the overall mise-en-scene of this gig reflected a romantic quality that was both whimsical and idyllic.
With chandeliers dangling from the stage that were surrounded by renaissance-esque statues and a huge red curtain, the band then transitioned into their next track, Not A Love Song. Tense and exciting, this track had the crowd screaming along to the repetitive words of this track. With a catchy chorus, this song translated perfectly when played live.
From here, we were then taken back into time with tracks like Change and There’s A Honey. Being reminded as to why Pale Waves became such a household name, it was nostalgic to see these songs be played at a sold-out venue. With There’s A Honey being a fan-favourite, it was nice to see the band consider their audience.
Moving away from the soft-indie sound of Pale Waves, the band then introduces us to a punkier side of their music. Adding diversity to their setlist, the four-piece break into the song Drive. Reminiscent of early 2000s pop-punk music, Heather proclaims that the song is ‘about being 23 and being emo’. Relatable to the audience, her vocals can easily be compared to the music of Avril Lavigne. Sentimental, yet fun, this track definitely held a strong place within this tour’s setlist.
Once again moving back to Pale Wave’s earlier career, the band then break into the track Eighteen. With the crowd singing along to every word and constantly moving to the soft-indie beat of this song, it is clear to see why this four-piece have such a strong hold in music. With a cult-following and romantic aesthetic, Pale Waves were putting on a show that will forever remain memorable.
Their ninth song, Last Train Home, places the gig back into the present. Playing a song from their newly released Smitten, the band indicate a progression within their sound and music in comparison to their early years. With the crowd chanting lyrics, such as ‘Dancing ‘round the truth but I don’t wanna live in this disguise’ and ‘She’s the secret I kept all along’, this heartbreaking track reminds us of Pale Waves’ LGBTQ+ roots. Promoting lyrics that are so relatable to the community, this performance was loveable and kind, drawing awareness to those who aren’t usually recognised by the outside world.
With the band encouraging people to hug and be together during this concert, there was a real sense of community within the crowd. At one moment, Heather even took a lesbian flag from a member of the crowd. Wrapping it around herself, we were reminded of how music can bring us together as individuals and represent something bigger than just a song.
With this, we were then brought to the encore of the concert. After playing a range of older tracks, such as Television Romance and She’s My Religion, Pale Waves then round off their iconic performance with Glasgow and Jealousy. With both tracks receiving huge audience reception, Pale Waves prove that they are at a position where they deserve to be selling out live shows.
Rating – 4.5/5
Listen to Smitten Here
