Bilk, “Essex, Drugs and Rock’n’Roll “

Manchester Academy 3– 13th February 2025

WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL EVANS

Manchester Academy has long been a proving ground for some of the most exciting up-and-coming bands in the UK music scene. Tonight, will be no different as Bilk take the stage, bringing their blend of raw indie punk energy and gritty lyricism to a huge crowd. Hailing from Essex, Bilk are rapidly carving out a place for themselves in the modern British music scene drawing comparisons to bands like The Streets and Arctic Monkeys. With a reputation for raucous live performances and a dedicated fanbase, expectations for tonight are high.

Manchester Academy 3 is packed tonight as people cram towards the stage with chants of "Bilk! Bilk! Bilk!" erupting sporadically from the crowd. From the moment Bilk storm the stage, they exude confidence and unfiltered energy. Singer, Sol Abrahams, greeting the crowd with a grin before launching straight into the blistering “RNR”. The opening riff sending the crowd into a frenzy, with a mosh pit forming instantly, the chorus, a chantable anthem, has virtually the entire venue singing along. The sheer power of their sound, combined with the raw energy of their performance, immediately setting the stage for a night of chaos.

Bilk’s lyrics often explore themes of suburban boredom, hedonism and the struggles of modern life all delivered with an unfiltered authenticity. "Slag", one of the band’s more provocative tracks, is performed with biting sarcasm and an unrelenting rhythm. The song’s lyrics, drip with attitude, resonating with the audience, who scream the words back at the band with a sense of shared defiance. “Go” is a standout moment of the night. Sol’s delivery is as impassioned as ever, blending frustration with an anthemic urgency, the bassline and drumming growling through the venue, The crowd respond in kind, bouncing in unison as the mosh pit opens wider everyone pushing, jumping and singing, smiles on each face in the room.

Much of the set consists of their new album ‘Essex, Drugs and Rock & Roll’ with some old tunes interspersed throughout the set blending the urgency of punk with the observational storytelling of classic British indie, While Bilk are known for their unpolished, almost garage-rock sound, their musical execution tonight is impeccable. Luke Hare’s basslines provide a strong backbone to every track, giving even the most raucous songs a groove that keeps the crowd moving. Harry Gray’s drumming is relentless, driving each song forward with precision and power while Sol’s vocals, raw and filled with emotion, never falter. His guitar playing, exactly what the music needed; gritty, loud and full of attitude.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the night is the sheer connection between Bilk and their audience. Between songs, Sol frequently engages with the crowd, his charisma and genuine enthusiasm make it clear that Bilk aren’t just performing, they are celebrating with their fans which makes an overall sense of unity that defines the gig. Undeniable too is the band’s chemistry, making their performance feel both spontaneous and tight knit and it's a testament to the band’s range as “Bad News” powers off. It’s a glorious and more melodic track providing an introspective moment. The song’s poignant lyrics and less aggressive dynamics allowing the crowd to catch their breath while still moving and singing along.

With one final burst of energy, “Daydreamer” closes the set. The song, an ode to escapism and suburban weariness, resonates with the audience and as the final chords ring out, the crowd erupts, demanding more. Triumphantly leaving the stage Bilk have made their mark in Manchester tonight with an incendiary live performance further solidifying their standing as one of the most exciting new acts in today’s UK indie and punk scenes. Their ability to blend unrelenting energy with sharp lyricism and genuine crowd connection sets them apart from many of their contemporaries. If Bilk continue their trajectory, it won’t be long before they’re headlining even bigger venues. One thing is certain, Bilk are not just a band to listen to. They’re a band to experience, live and loud.

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