Making their very welcomed return to the Welsh capital, Stockport's finest, Blossoms were back at Cardiff University Students' Union to give fans an unforgettable night of pure pop. Showcasing their knack for catchy hooks and crowd-pleasing energy, the band, on tour to promote their latest album Gary, brought a mix of fan-favourites and new material to a packed-out and enthusiastic crowd.

With it being a Saturday night the atmosphere inside was already palpable as Liverpool's Red Rum Club took to the stage in support. Building their sound from rehearsing in the non-gentrified reaches of Liverpool’s former docklands, the Merseyside outfit incorporate their gritty surroundings in to the heart of their music, and live, it truly came to life. Mixing high energy guitars underscored by their catchy trumpet-driven melodies, the band are distinguishably set apart from others in the scene and it plays in to their hand with wonderful results as the crowd eagerly lapped it up. From "Vibrate's" catchy choruses and "Vanilla's" thumping basslines to "Would You Rather Be Lonely" that sees towering pop sensibilities meet anthemic qualities, the band pack out their set list with infectious rhythms and sing-along vocals. Taking a moment to address the crowd, frontman Fran Doran thanked the audience for their vehement participation as the cheers resounded back. Red Rum Club have solidified their status as a must-see act and tonight only goes to show what they're capable of. 

With a short interlude ahead, the curated playlist pumped out the classics from Oasis to Courteeners, the latter being a band that first introduced me to Blossoms when they supported them almost a decade ago. It's funny how time flies. 

Tonight though, it's all about the Stockport five-piece as their distinct "Your Girlfriend" opener signified the start of the show with its cowbell intro.

What followed was a run through of their back catalogue as "I Can't Stand It" and "Getaway" were quick to get the crowd moving before they dived back to 2020's Foolish Loving Spaces LP for an extravagant rendition of "Oh No (I Think I'm in Love)", featuring their now signature freeze frame.

With the crowd readily in their palm, the band finally gave fans a taste of Gary. After all, that's what the tour is in support of as "What Can I Say After I'm Sorry?" sees Tom, Charlie and Josh instigate a conga-line across stage. Elsewhere "Perfect Me" sent the crowd to dizzying heights through its euphoric choruses before "Nightclub" sees Tom call through to a voicemail message, tailored to Cardiff before the track's 80's disco sound whipped the crowd into a frenzy.

Needing no introduction, Tom Ogden's on-stage charisma was again unmistakable as he engaged the audience with both light-hearted humour and personal anecdotes, telling the tale of how "Big Star" came to fruition. His rapport with the fans continued to add an intimate vibe to the packed venue as he channelled his inner Jarvis Cocker dance moves with big arm movements and lasso motions with the microphone cable. 

As their polished sound and undeniable chemistry as a band enhanced the impact of their delivery, songs like "Honey Sweet" and "At Most a Kiss" had the crowd chanting along, showcasing their talent for crafting music that's both catchy and profoundly impactful.

As the band returned to the stage, their 4-track encore brought the performance to close which included a touching performance of "My Favourite Room" that saw the band crouch down together centre stage adding to its affection, before Tom asked the all important question, "do you have 2 more in you Cardiff". A resounding cheer needed no further questioning as "There's a Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)" and "Charlemagne" rounded up their denouement.

Blossoms had once again delivered another truly masterful performance, showing why they’re cherished as one of today’s most beloved bands. All that remains is Ireland and a 5 night residency in Manchester. Any lucky fans are in for a treat.

Blossoms Played
Your Girlfriend
I Can't Stand It
Getaway
Oh No (I Think I'm in Love)
What Can I Say After I'm Sorry?
If You Think This Is Real Life
Perfect Me
The Keeper
Nightclub
Mothers
Care For
Honey Sweet
Big Star
I Like Your Look
At Most a Kiss
Why Do I Give You the Worst of Me?

Encore:
Gary
My Favourite Room
There's a Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)
Charlemagne