By Alisha Lawton
On a cold night in Manchester, the Academy3 venue was filling up for a night of great music, as alt-rock sensation, Luvcat, was about to take on the second last night of her UK tour.
Luvcat, real name Sophie Morgan—Liverpudlian singer-songwriter—known for her theatrical performances, and a sound that blends gothic and glamorous influences, released her debut single, Matador, in mid-2024, which garnered viral attention on TikTok, propelling her into the spotlight.
Her influences include artists like Nick Cave and The Cure, as well as the Rat Pack and Cabaret, which has shaped her unique musical style.
Following her success, Luvcat has made notable live appearances, including her festival debut at All Points East in 2024, and the success of her current UK headline tour.
First on stage was Big Society, a band formed just down the road from the Academy venue, at the Royal Northern College of Music, so really, you could call it a hometown gig for them.
They sang a couple of songs to warm up the crowd, and, during the third song, the lead singer swapped his guitar for a star shaped tambourine, and shook it to the beat.
During Every Stage Of Genuine Heartbreak, a single released in December, the lead singer made a point in stating that it is indeed ‘just as full of angst as it sounds’.
Every song from the band was upbeat and seemingly feel-good, with beautiful vocals and harmonies from both the lead singer and the guitarist, which slotted right into place.
After a short break, it was finally time for Luvcat to take to the stage. Her band entered in full suits, to a great cheer from the audience. The singer-songwriter told us she wasn’t expecting this many people to show up, and it was clear she was very grateful for everyone’s attendance.
Before the third song, Luvcat asked the audience if they had been to one of her shows before, followed by a huge cheer, and then asked if anyone had been a fan since her first song, at which the audience cheered once again, before she began to play Matador.
Further in the setlist, Luvcat played Valentine’s Day single, Love & Money, which the audience sang along to, the entire way through.
Later on, we were treated to an unreleased song, being played on tour for the first time, currently unnamed, but secretly called Diss Track, a name penned between Luvcat herself, and her band. The reason behind this naming is that the song is ‘basically talking shit about someone’, while also wanting to ‘snog them as well’, so we are told, ‘[it] levels it out’. Much to the audience’s laughter, and understanding of Luvcat’s humour, they were then asked for their opinion on the track’s name.
As the set was coming to a close, Luvcat told the audience how she and her band were going to play a song she had ‘fallen out of love with, as the time has gone on’, since releasing it, but we’re told that the band had been campaigning for her to bring it back for the live shows.
She tells the audience it’s ‘just a silly song’, about ‘fancying someone a lot’.
The song, Blushing, made for a beautiful stop in the show, as the bulk of it was focused on her exceptional vocals and harmonies, matched with subtle guitars and keyboard. As the song moved closer to the end, it became more upbeat, joined by drums and more intense vocals, which all dropped out at the last second to make a stunning and dramatic exit.
The show was great, with the bands performing mixing sounds of pop and jazz, leaving the audience wanting more. It is clear to see Luvcat’s career is going to skyrocket from this moment on.
You don’t want to miss out on this rising star!
Photography & Text Copyright 2025 © Alisha Lawton/ADRENALINE Magazine.
Chloe Morris 
Tyler Whiting