After a highly successful release of their debut album Once Upon A Weekend, there can be no arguments that 2024 has been a stellar year to date for indie four piece Corella, with fans eager to catch the band live on their recent tour, selling out venues across the UK and Europe. The band closed out their run of shows with a highly anticipated homecoming gig at Manchester’s O2 Ritz on Friday evening, their largest hometown show to date.
Once Upon a Weekend is an album packed with life and energy through its raw vocals and upbeat tracks, which made support act Luna Bay the perfect opener for the night, a band who provided a brilliant and engaging performance through their melodic and catchy songs, getting the crowd involved from minute one, encouraging the audience to join in with their hooks and by the end had the venue bouncing.
With the audience warmed up, Corella walked out to a backdrop of vibrant lights and fireworks, a fitting setting to match the boisterous atmosphere in the venue awaiting the hometown lads, with a relentless energy throughout the crowd for every track. The venue was practically jumping; with mosh pits dominating the front of the venue all evening, pushed on by frontman Joel Smith, who even joined in in the chaos for closing track Barcelona Girl. Extended versions of Lady Messiah and Barcelona Girl had the audience in full voice, with the band taking time to soak in the moment and savour their largest hometown show to date. It was only right that on such a big occasion, the band had a special treat for the audience, a rare cover of Revelry by Kings Of Leon, illuminating the venue with phone torches for one of the highlights of the night.
It was clearly a true milestone occasion for Corella, who were sure to voice their appreciation and gratitude of all in attendance between tracks. Despite being visually in awe of the moment, even stating it was ‘the best night of their lives’, the band produced a passionate and powerful performance that will leave those in attendance with a lasting memory. From playing Night and Day Café to selling out the O2 Ritz in two years, it is clear to see why the indie rock quartet are surging to success throughout the indie music scene.
With festival season swiftly approaching, Corella provided the perfect summer opener, with dynamic versions of tracks from their debut album and earlier EP’s. This tour has no doubt cemented them as a must see for any festival goer this year!
Words by Tom Smith