ALD 2022 - Favourite Gigs of the Year vol. 3

Edited by Miyuki Wang & Lia Qin

Can't believe the last time we saw each other was last year. Happy New Year everyone! Hope you've had a wonderful weekend. This is the 3rd and last part of our favourite-gigs-in-2022 project. Once again, we want to let you know we're very grateful for all the support. Every review that has been sent to us was so precious, it's our honour to read and share them in this silly little blog. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

It seems like 2022 was the best year for so many people, including us. Lots of tours happened, lots of new music were released, lots of beautiful memories were created. We are excited for what the new year has to offer. Looking forward to getting to know your favourite gigs in 2023 twelve months later ;)

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WOLF ALICE at La Riviera in Madrid (Spain) - 2 Nov.

I have adored Wolf Alice for years and my love for them grew even more after the release of Visions Of A Life in 2017. As cliche as it sounds, it really is an album that got me through a tough time. and 5 years later it is still my go-to album no matter what! I love this album so much; I even got it tattooed on me! In early November this year, I was lucky enough to visit the city I used to live in to see my favourite band. La Riviera in Madrid is a venue very close to my heart, and I can't begin to explain how special that night was to me. Their setlist, stage presence and expert performance made this the best gig of the year, if not my life! I managed to meet Wolf Alice after their gig in Madrid and it was such a magical moment! They were so thankful to me for travelling to see them and being such a dedicated fan throughout the years. I was so happy I got to talk to Ellie, Theo, Joff, Joel and Ryan and the memories from that night are something I will cherish forever.

(Alice Mason)

UNDERWORLD at Namba Hatch in Osaka (Japan) - 30 Sep.

- Barbara Barbara, We Face a Shining Karl (in his white plain shirt) -

Despite the fact this gig was supposed to take place in July 2022, for me and my sister who regularly hum the lyrics along to ourselves out of nowhere, it was certainly worth the wait. On that day, I was more than ready by putting on a striped shirt that is well-recognized for Karl's frequently-worn stage outfit. But I and the other fans who had the exact same idea never knew we were going to face a shocking moment later on.

fans in striped shirt

We managed to settle in the front row, and the stage set was covered with smoke and the ambient music altogether were already creating its own "world." After a while, Rick, the DJ and Karl, not only a singer but a dancer, appeared and I don't know how many fans including me thought "Why is Karl not wearing THE striped shirt??!!" At that time, I tried to think that that day was his white long-sleeved shirt kinda day. But when I think about his choice of clothes, I cannot stop guessing that it was actually calculated. What I mean is, I noticed that in order to create their unique world, using strobe lights is essential. So, this white plain shirt was not betraying or letting us down. With his white shirt catching these lights, it made Karl like a shining "S T A R," which adds to their creation of Underworld. It was my very first time seeing Underworld, and I had so much fun screaming and dancing with my hands up to their sounds. And, when I have a chance to see them again, I will wear my striped shirt again for another try. Why not?

(Sayaka Sugita)

FONTAINES D.C. at den Atelier in Luxembourg (Luxembourg) - 9 Apr.

I've seen a lot of great bands this year, including The Strokes, Pavement and The Rolling Stones. Still, my favourite gig of the year was definitely Fontaines D.C. in Luxembourg on April 9th. It was the first time seeing my favourite band after not having attended a concert for about two years. Being so close to them at front row felt insane after listening to them for a long time. Even though I've seen them another four times this year, this one was special. Also, I got to meet the whole ALD gang that day for the first time. So, I'd say it's been a memorable and nice weekend trip being awake 60 hours straight one week before my high school finals. Unforgettable and therefore my favourite gig of 2022.

(Paul Dechering)

THE MURDER CAPITAL at Parc de la Combe à la serpent in Dijon (France) - 12 Jun.

This summer, I finally got the chance to go and see The Murder Capital, and it was my favourite gig of 2022.

They played a small festival in Dijon, France, where I know most people in the crowd had never heard of The Murder Capital before. And this is part of why I enjoyed this gig so much. I came as a fan, and to watch people discover and enjoy the same music I like so much, was a beautiful experience.

The Murder Capital have a knack for making you feel involved in their gig, with their singer interacting with the concert-goers, and jumping into the crowd regularly during the set. Their stage presence is so intense, that whether you like the music or you don't, it's absolutely impossible to feel indifferent towards it. Their catalogue of songs is spread out intelligently, making the slower, more emotionally-charged songs not feel out of place between the rest of the powerful and fast-paced setlist.

I think The Murder Capital's live performance is fantastic, faithful to their studio sound and very entrancing. I enjoyed seeing the crowd go from tentatively watching the gig, to staying for a long time after the band walked off-stage, cheering and asking for more. The Murder Capital's raw energy is very special and inimitable, and I heard more than a few people talking about them for the rest of the day.

(Sly Mars)

SPRINTS at The Grand Social in Dublin (Ireland) - 10 Mar.

2022 has been fun and packed with gigs, great all around. Choosing a favourite is not an easy task but there has been one act that has gotten me like no other. So with permission from the best band in the world aka Fontaines D.C. (thanks NME for making it official), I gotta give this one to Sprints. I knew I was in for a treat from the first note they played and the wave of sound that hit me at the Grand Social in Dublin this past March. I have seen them four times now and they just seem to keep getting better and better.

The atmosphere and energy at their gigs is unmatched. They wrap you up with their genuine, pure and raw sound so you can't help but let yourself loose and dance to the beat.

Earlier this December they put together a 12-inch vinyl which comprises all singles and EP tracks to date. A wonderful way for anyone to get excited about what it's yet to come. Have yourself a merry listen and go catch them, they're worth the sweat.

(Patricia Gomez)

MILES KANE at Rough Trade Nottingham in Nottingham (UK) - 26 Jan.

Until December 2020 I didn't really know any of Miles Kane's solo work, except for 'Rearrange' (a classic) and 'Don't Forget Who You Are' (a FIFA tune). I knew his work with The Last Shadow Puppets well, but it wasn't until he was announced on the lineup for Victorious Festival 2021 that I decided to listen properly, and I fell in love with his music immediately. Seeing him at Victorious (which was already full of amazing acts, with the Fratellis, Blossoms, Fontaines D.C. and Royal Blood all playing that year) was the first time I had seen an artist I really loved and it was one of the most amazing feelings ever. However it was his 2022 Change the Show Tour where I felt the crowds and his artistry were at a peak.

I went to 3 shows in total on the tour, including his main tour shows at Rock City Nottingham and Leadmill in Sheffield, which were both incredible gigs with an electric atmosphere, restless crowds and great covers and surprises from Miles who was constantly interacting with his audience and putting his heart and soul into his performance. But my run of shows started with an intimate acoustic show at Rough Trade Nottingham which showed how well Miles connects with the crowd, joking when his equipment didn't work and asking how everyone was enjoying the new songs 5 days post-album release. His voice was ever better backed by softer acoustic guitar and he included some Puppets tunes in his set as well as both new and old songs of his own. The crowd were singing the whole time and he clearly enjoyed sharing the music he was making with us. We also met him during a signing after the show and despite me being too starstruck to say more than a word to him he was lovely and very genuine and was happy to hear that we'd enjoyed the gig, and pulled me over to take a photo when my dad had to ask for one after I froze in mild awe. Overall it was an amazing night with an amazing artist playing amazing music, and definitely one I won't forget.

(Ruby Atkinson)

TAMINO at The Regent Theater in Los Angeles (USA) - 3 Oct.

2022 was an absolute gift in terms of live music- I had the chance to see so many wonderful acts, which made picking a favorite very difficult. However…

Tamino live at The Regent in Los Angeles was a revelation. He's often compared to the late Jeff Buckley- a once-in-a-generation artist with a kind of quiet magnetism and unparalleled stage presence. Originally from Belgium, he stepped on stage with no touring band and no backing tracks- nothing but him and his oud, a kind of fretless guitar that features heavily on his latest album. From the moment he walked out, the audience was completely silent- I swear you could hear a pin drop. There wasn't even any of the background chatter that usually concentrates near the bar, and I have very vivid memories of hearing the click of the photographers' cameras cutting through the almost-silence between songs. The set itself felt almost religious, and both I and the friend with me were moved to tears multiple times throughout the night. His vocals alone could carry a stadium, and I felt very lucky to see him in a more intimate (~1000 cap) venue compared to the much larger shows he regularly sells out in Europe. The Regent's sound engineer has always been wonderful (it's a favorite Los Angeles venue of mine) but the mix that night was exceptionally good. I love gigs as much as the next person and have been to hundreds in my life, but I consider that night to be the best show I've ever seen. I strongly, strongly urge anyone who has the chance to catch Tamino on his upcoming EU, UK, and US tour in 2023!

(Jon Freedman)

PHOEBE BRIDGERS at O2 Brixton Academy in London (UK) - 26 Jul.

This year has been my best ever for gigs and seeing my favourite artists, after lockdown and not being able to see live music, it felt incredible to get back at it. For me, out of seeing artists from the likes of Sam Fender, Inhaler, Mitski, Biffy Clyro, and even a Nirvana tribute band, my favourite gig would be seeing Phoebe Bridgers live at the Brixton Academy in July. Phoebe is one of my favourite artists and I spent all day queuing with my friend to be at the front, which did not disappoint. I spent the day chatting with amazing, like-minded people which made the atmosphere so lovely. When Phoebe came on stage, I sobbed. It was incredible to see her for the first time and to witness some of my favourite songs live, including 'Moon Song' which I have lyrics from tattooed! Afterwards, I lost my voice- the sign of a good concert.

(Jessica Smith)

MONCRIEFF at 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin (Ireland) - 2 Dec.

My favourite gig of the year was without a doubt Moncrieff's headline show at the Olympia, Dublin. This was a stadium show squeezed into this small city centre venue, which felt like a major star returning from an arena tour to play a once-off intimate gig. The man has what makes a great performer - empathy. As he sang the songs and we roared along, the likes of 'Talk,' 'Ruin' and 'Warm' hit deeper and caused such an emotional response in us that it resonated back on him. A few songs in, the crowd were so loud that the gig took a pause as Moncrieff fell to his knees overcome with emotion. It was such a raw and honest reaction, it's impossible to not buy into the honesty in his music. At the end, Moncrieff thanked us all yet again for such a special show and urged us to come to meet him at the merch stand. That is when reality hit. No, this wasn't a big homecoming gig. A music veteran getting back to their roots. This was an artist playing THE big show, the big test, the big step up and not only was he able for it, he jumped up to that step and skipped a few along the way. We knew we were in for a big performance when he started the gig by climbing down from the opera box to the stage, but no one was truly ready for that gig. To borrow a line from another great Irish act: "My childhood was small, but I'm gonna be big" - That is Moncrieff to a tee. He's got it and you don't want to miss it.

(Avril Barcoe)

DECLAN MCKENNA at Royal Albert Hall in London (UK) - 2 May

By far my favourite gig of 2022 was Declan McKenna and Friends at the Royal Albert Hall. A show I had previously tried to stop myself from attending due to uni deadlines but after meeting him a few weeks prior and a spare ticket popping up, the post-gig blues kicked in and I simply had to buy a ticket.

The show felt like a subtle send-off to the Zeros era, with it being the last show really dedicated to that album in the UK, (by far my favourite album release in 2020). One thing that made this show so special was the addition of special guests with names like Will Joseph Cook, Alfie Templeman and CMAT to name a few.

A true highlight of this show for me was the beautiful stripped-back versions of 'Make Me Your Queen' and 'Emily' performed by CMAT and Mckenna as almost campfire-style duets accompanied by the banjo. This also opened a love for CMAT and her music for me with her debut album If My Wife New I'd Be Dead becoming a favourite of mine for 2022 releases.

An alternative version of Mckennas, rage-filled but danceable track 'Rapture' was performed. This was performed with a feature from Georgia, as a nod to her remix of the track released in 2020. Other highlights included an unexpected performance of 'Brew (Regurgitated),' having not been played on recent tours, being joined by Alfie Templeman on guitar, who Mckenna described as a "young prodigy."

"We're not done with surprises, I'm full of surprises" shortly awaited performance of 'Give A Little Love' from Bugsy Malone as the show's closing song, with an entrance from none other than Alex Lawther an actor best known for playing James in channel 4's The End Of The Fucking World, who featured as a twin-like Declan Mckenna in his 'The Key to Life on Earth music video after comparisons between the two surfaced online.

Declan's shows are always special to me as his music is always exciting yet brings such comfort to me after finding his music when I was just 13. However the combination of the Royal Albert Hall being a stunning venue and the addition of special guests, this was really a show to remember.

As a huge fan of energy-filled tracks with his unique, grounded metaphors of social commentary, I am incredibly excited for what he has in store next, with his 3rd album rumoured to be on the horizon.

(Alex Gafney)

RAZORLIGHT at Neighbourhood Weekender in Manchester (UK) - 29 May

One of my best gigs this year has to be Razorlight - Neighbourhood Weekend - they were beyond incredible, Johnny Borrell was better than ever, he has such an incredible stage presence that just captivates you from the moment he steps on the stage. They opened with 'Rip It Up' which set the atmosphere for the rest of the gig. From start to finish everyone in that crowd was bouncing. Their set ended with 'America' & the crowd swiftly took over from Borrell and he gladly obliged, every voice in that field could be heard & that is why it will be a gig I'll never forget.

(Frusciante Jones)

SAM FENDER at Finsbury Park in London (UK) - 15 Jul.

Without a doubt, my favourite gig of 2022 was Sam Fest (aka Sam Fender Finsbury Park) the artists on the lineup were absolutely outstanding each one adding such excitement for the finale. Declan McKenna and Fontaines D.C. being my favourites of the day put on quite a performance. Singing my heart out with some of my favourite people and the night ending with 'Hypersonic Missiles' and mountains of confetti in the air. Everyone left smiling ear to ear-grabbing bits of confetti as they leave the park. Truly an incredible night with some of my favourite people.

(Beth Bowden)

My favourite gig of the year was Sam Fender at Finsbury Park on July 15th. As someone who has been a fan of Sam since 2017, it was so special seeing him headline a venue of 40,000 people. The lineup was amazing, it was great to see some of my other favourites on the same day like Declan Mckenna and Fontaines D.C., as well as seeing other incredible artists for the first time like STONE and Heidi Curtis.

(Milly Anderson)

FONTAINES D.C. at Le Transbordeur in Lyon (France) - 6 Jun.

I think my best gig of 2022, even if it was really hard to pick, would be Fontaines D.C. in June in Lyon in France. I went to the concert alone without knowing anyone and it was my first time doing that which scared me at first but I met some amazing people while queuing. We were 4 and we talked about everything. It was a really unique experience. While we were queuing we had the chance to meet Grian Chatten and Conor Curley. It was my first time meeting artists as well, I was so intimidated !!

As we were the firsts in the queue we got to enter the venue first and seeing the whole venue empty you feel so small and so powerful at the same time; it's a really special feeling. About the gig itself, it was probably the wildest gig I've ever gone to but it was so fun experiencing that with such amazing people!! Everything in this gig was perfect; the lights, the setlist, and the music of course. We even got to get a signed setlist. anyway one of my best memories of all time.

(Sarah Michaux)

INHALER at Sala Cats in Madrid (Spain) - 13 May

In spite of their lack of an opening act, Inhaler's closing show of their European tour proved to be an unforgettable experience.

The start of the evening was a rather turbulent one for me, since the venue staff seemed (rightfully) reluctant to let me in with my camera as I foolishly had not requested a press pass of any sorts. Nonetheless, all my trials and tribulations at the queue were soon forgotten as I stepped inside the venue with a breath of relief and a racing heart. The lights had dimmed, and a presumably band-chosen pre-show playlist riddled with indie rock legends boomed throughout the room. I had been looking forward to this concert for months.

Inhaler is vibrant, magnetic and undeniably charming. They're energetic and relentless in their determination to give the crowd a damn good show. Each member of the band is evidently in harmony with one another, the instrumentals were flawless and just like, if not better than, the record. The crowd was small but enthusiastic. No matter how many or how few people, Inhaler plays like it it's Wembley. With a stellar set list, the show runs through smoothly yet energetically with perfectly placed softer tunes to mellow the crowd before amping it back up with a banger like 'In My Sleep.' It was their last show in a notoriously long and restless tour, if they were tired or bored, they didn't let it show, not once. It's clear that they play because they want to and because they're meant to.

There is a certain euphoria in the crowd that seldom have I ever felt elsewhere, unlike anything I could ever achieve to describe.

I managed to both have undivided fun and snap a lot of pictures I hold very near and dear to my heart. It was over sooner than I thought it would be and I was nearly devastated when they all stepped away from the stage blowing kisses and waving smiles.

Inhaler is a real rock act. They care about the music and it shows.

(Carlota Villalobos)

QUARTERS OF CHANGE at Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, New Mexico (USA) - 10 Nov.

I never wanted to go to New Mexico.

But I just kept wanting. I wanted my ears to pound. I wanted my bones to buzz and my heart to hum. I wanted to be lost in the sea of a crowd, free to swim and sing at the top of my lungs with the strangers surrounding me. I wanted that electricity, that liberation, that understanding that swallows you whole and makes you wonder if anything else will ever make sense like this. I spent the whole year wanting, chasing that feeling from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and Seattle, and Chicago, and Boston. Accumulating thousands of flight miles, sleeping on friends's floors and in lines outside venues, getting sick, getting hurt, damaging my credit score slightly — I was picked up and torn apart, to be put back together when I finally caught what I couldn't stop chasing.

I ended up on a road trip with my friend, Rebekah, for her birthday, and saw more states in one week than I previously had in my whole life. We drove through a storm in Tennessee, raced on electric scooters in Alabama, adopted a bear named Russell in Arkansas, and attempted to shoot guns in Oklahoma. I visited a Love's and a Buccee's for the first time, and learned how to reverse park in Texas. The day we got to New Mexico, I called my managers in California to tell them that I was too sick to come in for my shift, from a bread shop that made the best focaccia I've ever had.

Meow Wolf in Santa Fe is a venue that's immersive, psychedelic, and nearly impossible to navigate, and would be even to someone sober. After nearly greening out and freezing out in the desert, we finally got into the maze-like museum and realized the band we came to see, Quarters of Change, had already started performing. After this whole trip for Rebekah's birthday, we missed about half of her favorite song. I'm not sure if she would agree, but I think it was worth it.

I got more than just what I was wanting, after all. I was with one of my best friends, singing along to one of my new favorite songs by a band she introduced me to. The 30-minute set was made all the sweeter by the week-long journey of trying new things, meeting new people, seeing new places, and making memories side-by-side. Maybe she wouldn't agree because she got a speeding ticket in the process, but I still think it was worth getting a summons.

(Bailey Townsend)