The Aces at the O2 Apollo, Manchester

By Anya Baxter.

As The Vamps arrived in Manchester for a two night residency at Manchester's Apollo, alt-pop band The Aces were there to support them, and they left quite the impression on the audience.

Photo by Anya Baxter

The four piece are originally from Provo, Utah and consist of guitarist Katie Henderson, bassist McKenna Petty, and sisters Alisa and Cristal Ramirez completing the band on drums, guitar and vocals. The Aces formed in their school years, and their chemistry as not only bandmates but best friends emanates from their performance.

Photo by Anya Baxter

Opening their set with "Girls Make Me Wanna Die", each member created an individual presence to the stage, each naturally belonging in front of the sold out venue. Their music has a pop punk sound, revitalising the genre with their own interpretation and a new modern excitement. Henderson's guitar solo was phenomenal, igniting the audience and displaying her immense skill as a guitarist.

Photo by Anya Baxter

Cristal Ramirez is the perfect front-woman, connecting with her audience with ease and catching their eyes with every movement. This band invites anyone who has the pleasure of watching them perform to have fun, because the members themselves are enjoying what they are doing, and that sense of joy spills out onto the audience.

Photo by Anya Baxter

During a talking break where Cristal invited the crowd to sing along, her sister Alisa accompanied with a steady drumbeat, proving herself to be the solid backbone of the band. To complete the rhythm section, Petty shone on bass, a pleasure to watch as she moved in time with the music through "My Phone is Trying to Kill Me".

Photo by Anya Baxter

I think it's fair to say that any member of the Apollo's audience would've gladly become a member of The Aces, if it meant being as quietly cool as any one of the girls. This is a band that will only continue to grow. They can be sure they have left Manchester with an abundance of new fans and supporters, anxiously awaiting their next move. I hope to see them headlining their own UK tour in the near future.

Photo by Anya Baxter