Holly Humberstone at the Manchester Academy

By Anya Baxter

Since receiving the award for Rising Star at the 2022 Brits, Holly Humberstone has performed for crowds at Glastonbury, dominated radio stations with her introspective lyrics, and has now added a stellar headlining tour to her ever growing list of achievements in modern music.

Photo by Anya Baxter

Holly Humberstone's energising take on indie pop has delivered her some gorgeous hits, and it is no surprise that a vast crowd of dedicated supporters arrived at Manchester's Academy to watch her perform live. Starting the night off with "The Walls Are Way Too Thin", Humberstone created an intimate atmosphere with her audience, as if sharing a conversation with her lyrics. A multi-talented musician, she spent the night performing songs on both guitar and keyboard, accompanied by her band.

Photo by Anya Baxter

"Overkill" and "Please Don't Leave Just Yet" followed before the vulnerable and emotive "London is Lonely." It is Humberstone's songwriting skills as well as her musical talent that have afforded her such success - she has a unique way of bearing all while still allowing her listeners to relate personally to her lyrics. She is an honest and refreshing presence, a quality she has brought with her on her live tour.

Photo by Anya Baxter

Later on came a performance of her debut single "Deep End", the initial spark in this powerful flame. Humberstone connects with her audience as if she has known them her whole life, and her gratitude for her position in music can be heard in her many genuine thanks for the support.

Photo by Anya Baxter

Achieving critical acclaim comes with expectations, but this concept does not seem to have phased Holly in the slightest, as each of her musical offerings evolves on the last, while still remaining true to who she is. The set ended with an encore of her song "Scarlett", a heartbreak anthem for the masses, with lyrics dedicated to her childhood friend Scarlett's strength during a breakup.

Photo by Anya Baxter

Holly graced Manchester with a thoroughly enjoyable, heartfelt performance, that brought everyone in the venue together. As she has already proven, Humberstone continues to go from strength to strength, and I'm sure her grip on pop music will only tighten as she takes the next steps in what promises to be a long career in the industry.