Sea Fever are a dynamic five-piece electronica band firmly embedded in Manchester’s vibrant and ever-evolving music scene. Featuring members of iconic acts including New Order, Section 25, and Johnny Marr’s band, they fuse a rich musical legacy with a fresh, forward-looking sound. The band released their critically acclaimed second album, Surface Sound, in May and have just completed a UK tour, culminating at Manchester’s iconic Deaf Institute – their first hometown show since their album launch at The Yard.
The band opened the night with their debut single, ‘Crossed Wires’ – a swirling electronic pop track that blends driving synths with jagged guitars. The fresh yet reassuringly familiar ‘Able Eyes’ followed, as Tom Chapman switched from bass to guitar and Iwan Gronow’s vocals took centre stage. Vocals remained a highlight on ‘Truth Dare’, where Iwan and Beth Cassidy shone together, her light, airy harmonies perfectly offsetting his understated, emotional delivery.
After two tracks from Surface Sound, the band dipped back into their debut album for ‘Under Duress’ and ‘Folding Lines’. The former is a richly layered, orchestrated earworm centred on unrequited love, showcasing just how effectively the band’s dual vocalists compliment one another. ‘Folding Lines’ followed with its ominous melodies and dark harmonies, highlighting the collective talent of the group and the depth of experience each member brings to the supergroup.
Powered by Beth’s ethereal vocals, Phil Cunningham’s irresistibly funk-laden guitar lines, and Elliot Barlow’s dark, pulsing beats, ‘Thrills, Kicks and Lies’ hit with undeniable force. Dedicated to Gary “Mani” Mounfield and anchored by a magnetic bass-line, courtesy of Tom, ‘Shouldn’t Have Been This Way’ followed, with Phil’s guitar work once again stealing the spotlight. Beth then stepped back into the lead on ‘Loose Cut’, her smooth, hypnotic vocals drifting effortlessly over a bed of thumping rhythms and brooding synths. ‘Breaking Out’ arrived bursting with energy, closing out a four-track run from Surface Sound that drew reactions more befitting long-established classics than recent releases.
A particularly poignant highlight of the tour followed with ‘Explanation’. Originally issued as a 7” exclusive alongside the indie vinyl edition of Surface Sound, the track is a stirring call-and-response duet that unites the commanding, vibrant voice of the late Denise Johnson with Beth. Live, it stood as a beautiful and deeply respectful tribute – Beth stepped into the moment with confidence, delivering a performance that was both powerful and moving. The main set drew to a close with ‘Built to Last’, a rousing finale that married infectious energy with bold, driving instrumentation, sending the crowd into the interval on a palpable high.
Encores may be a rarity for the band, but the crowd’s demands were impossible to ignore – and Sea Fever delivered in style with ‘Go To Ground’ and ‘De Facto’. One of the catchiest cuts on Surface Sound, ‘Go To Ground’ surged forward on Elliot’s crisp, propulsive beats, wrapped in infectious hooks and rich melodic textures from Phil and Tom. Its funky, experimental edge proved the perfect setup for the night’s final moment. Taking centre stage one last time, Tom doubled up on bass alongside synths and programming for ‘De Facto’, closing the set in a thrilling burst of energy that brought the night to a euphoric end.
Sea Fever have proven that they are far from resting on the legacies of their previous bands. With every show, they continue to evolve, pushing their sound into new, exciting territory while retaining the depth and craftsmanship that comes from years of experience. After a show this electrifying, we can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for them.
