Taking Hayley only formed back in 2010
but have been working hard building a loyal fan base and even bagging
themselves a slot supporting Mcfly. Est.1987 caught up with the four-piece back
in July as we marked them out as a future talent.
So, when the band announced
their August tour we couldn’t say no to heading to Manchester to check out their live show. Want
to know what we thought? Click below…
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Taking Hayley joined on stage by The Ocean's Eyes guitarist Andy Dutnall |
Taking
Hayley bound on stage tonight here at Manchester’s
Dry Bar. Their debut album “Tricks And Games” was released last month and seems
to have only increased the band’s already accumulating fan base and excitement
waves through the venue. Album track “Better Look Next Time” kicks off the
evening, typical of the band’s sound it is up tempo with a youthful fever to
it. Singles “Up All Night” and “Circles” are laden with catchy pop hooks yet
are building, holding down an epic quality to them.
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Taking Hayley |
Taking
Hayley deliver sugary sweet hit upon hit, but also prove they are capable of
more toned down slower numbers that are equally as impressive. “Crying Eyes”
slows the evening down and just lead singer Alistair Keenan, now taking to the
keys, and drummer Jay Murphy remain on stage. The song is poignant and the
perfect interlude mid-set before the rest of the band, joined by guitarist Andy from
support band The Ocean’s Eyes, gradually drift back onto the stage and the
evening kicks off once again.
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Taking Hayley's Alistair Keenan |
Speaking to the boys earlier in the year they
told Est.1987 how, “There is no better feeling than spending some quality time
with your best mates, all doing the one thing you love to do, which is playing
shows in different cities.” Tonight, here in Manchester, was the culmination of how far
the band has come and proof that their hard work is paying off. Their
enthusiasm and passion is undeniably obvious and, you can’t help but like
Taking Hayley [if you don’t believe us then ask the girls in the front row].
Strong melodies are at the forefront of the bands approach and they are even
cheeky enough to throw in a cover version. Labrinth’s “Earthquake” is given a
rockier makeover as the boys effortlessly breeze through the song. With a
confident performance here tonight Taking Hayley prove they are doing their bit
for UK
pop-punk. Recently telling Est.1987, “It's been a great ride [so far] and it's
hard not to really look back at what we've done and feel a bit proud; but at
the moment we're working hard planning the rest of the year and the start of
2013. Exciting times ahead!” Keep your eyes on these boys!
And,
to read the full interview with Taking Hayley click HERE
The
album “Tricks and Games” is out now