Blossoms debut ‘Additional Driver’ with Declan McKenna in Manchester

Ten years ago, a debut album changed the landscape of indie music. Now, as Blossoms celebrate a decade of sound, they brought that celebration to an intimate setting at the Manchester Deaf Institute, sharing a night packed with nostalgia and playful new energy.

The homecoming gig served as a powerful retrospective, allowing the band and their collaborator, Declan McKenna, to revisit the iconic tracklist of their breakthrough 2016 album in full. The atmosphere was electric, bridging the gap between celebrated history and exciting future music.

The setlist was a journey through their catalogue, featuring fan-favourite anthems like ‘Charlemagne’, ‘At Most a Kiss’, and ‘Getaway’, alongside a rare live rendition of ‘Onto Her Bed’—a track they hadn’t performed live in a decade.

The night was filled with deep cuts that showcased the depth of their songwriting, including tracks such as ‘You Pulled a Gun on Me’ and ‘Madeleine’. As the performance unfolded, the band expertly blended established hits with the raw energy of their emerging sound.

But the night wasn’t just about celebrating the past; it was also about stepping into the present. Blossoms introduced fresh material, culminating in a delightful collaboration that brought an unexpected twist to the evening. They debuted the brand-new track ‘Additional Driver’ with Declan McKenna.

This new piece proved to be a witty and lighthearted anthem, referencing a car crash in its lyrics. McKenna’s performance brought a delightful, tongue-in-cheek energy, channeling a nod to the classic rock sound of The Beatles as they delivered the song. It was a playful moment that perfectly captured the celebratory mood.

The celebration extended beyond the stage; it marked a significant moment for the band, whose debut album ‘Songs From The Wedding Cake’ became one of 2016’s highest-selling records. Critics at the time praised the record for allowing these Manchester indie stars to leap “from their chart-bound Trojan horse as modernist rock heroes.”

Looking ahead, Blossoms are gearing up for an exciting arena tour in November, supported by The Royston Club. This momentum is driving anticipation for their forthcoming album, ‘Songs From The Wedding Cake’, which is described as a collection of songs about ordinary moments viewed through an extraordinary lens.

The band continues to evolve, taking their established sound and injecting it with new, imaginative themes. Whether celebrating a milestone or debuting a new song, Blossoms are demonstrating that ten years later, they remain a force capable of crafting memorable music.