Southall 28.08.2024 @ The Deaf Institute, Manchester

Credit for this page goes to: John Gilman

It had been a long time since I last set foot in The Deaf Institute for a gig—fifteen years to be exact. My previous visit in 2009 was to see the Irish troubadour Duke Special. Returning to this venue, I was immediately reminded of what makes it so special. The Deaf Institute is a place brimming with character. From the church-like pews at the rear of the venue to the suspended viewing gallery that hugs the left side of the stage, it’s a space that manages to be both intimate and grand at the same time. With a capacity of just 250, even those standing at the back are close enough to the band to feel every note and beat, making it one of the most immersive live music experiences in Manchester.

On this particular night, the stage was set for Southall (also known as the Read Southall Band), a group that hails from the sunny climes of Stillwater, Oklahoma. The band proudly carries the torch for their hometown, a fact that was warmly acknowledged by frontman Read Southall when he spotted me wearing a Flaming Lips t-shirt—a subtle nod to Oklahoma City. During a chat after the gig, Read shared that the Flaming Lips' singer actually walks his dog near his house, adding a personal touch to the already communal atmosphere of the evening.

Southall is firmly rooted in the red dirt music scene, a genre that blends elements of Southern rock, country, and blues. However, they bring a harder edge to their sound, leaning more towards gritty country rock. While I wasn’t too familiar with their tracks before the gig, I found that this worked to my advantage. I had no preconceived notions, allowing me to experience their music with fresh ears. Listening to the predicted setlist on my way to the venue, I couldn’t easily distinguish between their older and newer tracks—a testament to the consistent quality of their recent self-titled album, *Southall*.

The night kicked off with "Out Alive," a bruising, hard-edged rocker that set the tone for the evening. From the outset, it was clear that Southall is a band that knows how to deliver fast-paced, good old-fashioned Southern rock. Tracks like "Damn," "Get Busy," and "High-Speed Feed" followed in quick succession, each one a whirlwind of energy and raw power. The crowd was fully engaged, with one fan even shouting out a request for "Gunshy" in between songs. Read, amused, responded with a playful, "You’ve sneaked a look at the setlist, haven’t you?" before launching into the singalong anthem. As a reward for his enthusiasm, the lucky fan was handed a drumstick by Read, who later signed it after the show—a really nice touch from a group of genuinely lovely guys.

The setlist was full of surprises. "When You’re Around" was a track that, according to Read, wasn’t originally on the tour setlist but had been added due to popular demand. It kept up the pace of the gig, which only slowed briefly for the haunting breakup song "Why." Before performing it, Read mentioned that the girl in the song claimed she’d never listened to it—though he was "pretty sure she has." The song brought a poignant moment of introspection to an otherwise high-energy evening, showcasing the band’s range and depth.

The venue itself felt almost tailor-made for Southall, with its intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics creating the perfect setting. The setlist included a pleasant surprise, featuring "Long Cool Woman" by The Hollies—a track I had never heard before—alongside "Scared Money" and "DLTBGYD" (Don't Let Them Get You Down). Read took a moment to reflect on the challenges of bouncing back after the 2020 lockdown, encouraging everyone to keep pursuing their dreams. The night wrapped up with a powerful rendition of "Don't Tell Me/Mississippi Queen." You could tell the band was having just as much, if not more, fun than the crowd, which made the night even more special. Meeting the band after the gig was the cherry on top—they were genuinely nice guys. This show was a milestone for me as well: my 500th live band experience. Here's to another 500! This is why I have no money.

Set list;

1: Out Alive

2: Damn

3: Get Busy (Till it’s done)

4: High - Speed Feed

5: Gunshy

6: When You’re Around

7: By Surprise

8: Why

9: Long Cool Woman (The Hollies Cover)

10: Scared Money

11: DLTGYD