Concert Review: The Hara & Forager UK at Factory (Manchester).

Concert Review: The Hara & Forager UK at Factory (Manchester)

Last night, Factory in Manchester, hosted an unforgettable sold-out show that felt more like a family gathering than just another gig. Originally scheduled at the Deaf Institute, the venue switch to Factory, known for hosting indie and house music, came as a surprise, but it quickly proved to be a great fit for the energy of the night. The place filled up insanely fast, and it wasn’t long before the crowd was buzzing with excitement, exchanging stories about the bands’ previous tours and eagerly anticipating what was to come.

Opening up the night were Forager UK, who immediately set the tone with their raw energy. Despite the tight space, the band didn’t hold back. The crowd quickly warmed up to their fast-paced, energetic sound. At one point during the set, Forager UK’s charismatic vocalist leaped into the crowd to join fans in an impromptu mini mosh pit, completely losing himself in the moment. The crowd’s energy only grew stronger as they cheered, sang along, and interacted with the band, creating a connection that felt deeply personal. Forager UK are clearly on the rise, and if you haven’t caught them yet, they’ll be performing at Deadbolt Club’s 14th birthday night—definitely a show to mark on your calendar.

Then came The Hara, who have clearly evolved since I last saw them perform at Download 2022. Josh, the lead vocalist, made a dramatic entrance wearing a long black fur trench coat, hair flowing like an alternative Jon Snow from Game of Thrones. It was clear from the get-go that The Hara’s performance was going to be something to remember. Fans eagerly speculated when Josh would shed the coat, a signature move of his that never fails to thrill.

Over the years, The Hara have experimented with different sounds, with each album introducing a unique vibe. The shift in their music was evident throughout the set, showing just how adaptable they are as a band. The energy in the room was palpable as they delivered a high-energy performance that showed no signs of slowing down. Josh’s vocals were particularly on point, pushing boundaries with every note and cementing his reputation as a captivating performer. The band’s confidence and self-awareness were undeniable, as if they knew they were giving the audience a truly special performance.

The night was a perfect blend of electric energy, stellar musicianship, and fan interaction. Forager UK set the bar high as the opening act, and The Hara proved they are just as captivating as ever, with a performance that only affirmed their rising status in the alternative scene.

Setlist: