By Emma Turner
Photo Credit: Barnaby Fairley
It felt only right that Luvcat’s final UK date of her Lipstick & Pearls tour was in Manchester. After years of playing to crowds around the city, the singer-songwriter was still just as appreciative of everyone simply turning up, never mind filling the venue of Manchester Academy 2 wall to wall.
Best known for her alternative rock sound, infused with a dark, romantic feel, and a glamorous gothic aesthetic, Luvcat has crafted a distinct persona that she builds an entire world around. Basing some of her music on her real-life experiences, whilst also turning her songs into something more playful and dramatic, we were in for a theatrical night of storytelling.
Starting off strong with support act Attic Girl, a close friend of Luvcat’s, it was clear they both shared the same love for performing. Her set felt almost like a short play, with a narrator introducing each song, and a continuous story that linked everything together. Bringing out various props to aid her emotions, and even switching to a headset instead of a handheld microphone, Attic Girl put her all into her delivery. The strong emotions embedded within her tracks came through perfectly in her vocals and were only amplified by her utilising the stage through her motions. It was hauntingly poetic, mesmerising everyone from start to end.
As she left the stage, anticipation was in the air with everyone now awaiting the arrival of Luvcat.
The stage was heavily decorated – the floor featuring her signature checked pattern, and the stage accessorised with a crescent moon and an eye on the drum kit.
When it was finally time for Luvcat to take the stage, fans greeted her with the loudest cheer. This was the moment everyone had been waiting for. Some fans had literally queued all day in the pouring rain!
Starting the show off with a soft, delicate piano, was The Kazimier Garden interlude. As Luvcat entered the stage and took position, all the lights went out for a split second before kicking straight into the guitars on Lipstick. Excitement was released from everyone, whether that was through singing along word for word, dancing, or screaming uncontrollably.
She introduced one of her songs by prefacing: “This song’s about a liar”, creating some tension before describing him as having “eight beady eyes and eight spindly legs”. Spider was the next track, and it created an unsettling and spooky atmosphere from the first strum of the guitar. Singing with a chilling softness, it paired well with Luvcat’s overall aesthetic. He’s My Man had a similar effect and appeared to be a fan favourite, probably due to its insane backstory that Luvcat came across, about a woman who used a rope to keep rocking a chair that her deceased husband sat in – a morbid yet strong image that reflects her inability to let him go due to her immense love for him. This song, in particular, shows the depths of Luvcat’s songwriting abilities as she’s able to depict such unique stories and turn them into infectious tracks.
In contrast, Emma Dilemma brought a more rock vibe, giving the audience a quick confidence boost. Written about her mum’s best friend, it embodies the “man-eating” attitude, shifting the tone to something far more empowering.
Luvcat bounced between instruments throughout the night, with one distinct section where she serenaded the audience with piano. She performed a cover of Helena by My Chemical Romance, to which the crowd adored, along with Laurie. Introduced as a song for forbidden/secret lovers, the slower pace was a welcomed pause amongst an otherwise bold and energetic set – allowing not only for her emotions to fully surface, but also showcasing the strength of her vocals – the climax of Laurie holding the room’s full attention.
A standout moment was Vicious Delicious, as where Luvcat invited Attic Girl back on stage, where they performed the track together perfectly in sync. Forming an iconic duo, they danced with one another intertwined. It amped up the crowd even more, acting as an emotional outlet as the lyrics cried out from every voice.
The show then closed in a way I’ve never seen before. Luvcat huddled her band together and began to play the accordion, as they – and the entire crowd – sang the chorus of Dinner @ Brasserie Zédel, one last time without any mics. Hearing everyone’s voices together as they all stood still in awe was a truly lovely way to end the night.
Now, Luvcat prepares to take on the US and Canada, before inevitably returning to the UK for even bigger dates in the future.
Alexandra Pullen 
Alisha Lawton