Tinlicker playing live at Manchester’s New Century Hall

As far as gig reviews go I’m no musician, therefore I have no abilities to comment in great depths about the technical musicianship, the sound, or anything relating to the audio quality of a live gig. What I do have is experience being between the sweaty front row of an anticipating crowd and the powerful presence of musicians and artists on stage. Experiences being in the golden spot of venues big enough to have a photography pit. Experiences working my way through a crowd packed dripping wall to dripping wall, taking photos from the middle of them all.

I have experience in capturing the soul and performance of artists. My gig reviews will focus on the energy, the visual elements of a gig and, yes, the sound (of which I claim no expertise).

On that note, I had the pleasure of gaining a photo pass to see the impressive duo Micha Heyboer and Jordi van Achthoven, a.k.a. Tinlicker, play a live set at Manchester’s New Century Hall.

The first note about Tinlicker’s set was the incredible playlist they had during their set up. It was one of few gigs I’ve been to that built in such anticipation from the moment the support finished to the moment Tinlicker graced the stage. The playlist rose in waves, including songs such as Joris Voorn’s Ryo (which sparked my personal fancy).

Incredible light panels in full effect during Tinlicker’s set

One thing I massively appreciate as a music and events photographer is the attention to detail in the visual elements. I know, I know, the point of a live gig is the music and the sound - and I agree, but in conjunction with the visual aspects (lighting panels, visualisers, projections) a gig can become an experience. This all contributes to the energy in the room and how a crowd reacts.

Tinlicker’s light and visual show was a powerful partner to the electronic sounds they swelled into New Century Hall. Something that enhanced my personal experience of this gig was the interesting, sometimes trippy visuals that connected the music and drove the beat through the performance. I think especially in the electronic/DJ spheres, where it may be harder to physically perform (for instance how bands run around stage and interact with one another), the lighting cues and the visual displays add to the “performance” element of a live show.

Micha Heyboer hitting the drop, with his visuals lighting up the panels behind.

Tinlicker’s crowd absolutely showed up too (albeit, if they were fully present of mind and body I cannot accurately say). The steady flow of their newer music thumped rhythm into the fans, felt through the smiles and hands dancing through the air throughout the show. My favourite crowd photograph of the night has got to be the lady right up in the front row celebrating her 60th birthday in a green spandex bodysuit and sunglasses. Don’t get me wrong though, the demographic for Tinlicker ranged from 60+ to early twenties and (assumedly) late teens. It seems they’ve connected to a whole host of people with their electronic melodies. I have to shout out a man named Tom too, without whom I wouldn’t have the first photograph on this post. Tom offered to get me on his shoulder to take some snaps, weighing the possibilities of breaking my camera and getting the shot I eventually went for it - and I’m glad I did. Being a photographer (music, events, portraits, whatever) you often think about getting the angle. Turns out, being above the crowd on someone’s shoulders is a great angle.

Overall, I’d say Tinlicker was a wonderfully fun night, and their music definitely created an atmosphere for dancing, moving, singing and laughing for most of the people I witnessed. If you fancy a good gig (and maybe a good gurn) I’d recommend trying to catch them throughout the rest of their tour dates. The music is powerful and got me head-bobbing whilst taking photos, their fans were all on that same energy and connection together, and if you can catch them playing a good medium sized venue like New Century, you’re on to a winning night out.

Otherwise, here’s a gallery of Tinlicker’s night in Manchester.