It’s no secret that Risco are on the rise, and seeing the Georgian Theatre awash in a sea of their T-shirts only confirms it. For a band with just three singles to their name, this headline slot feels significant, yet entirely deserved. There’s a tangible buzz in the air, and the crowd knows it.
The Sick Fix open with energetic indie-punk steeped in a distinctly Manchester spirit. Their songs are fierce and raw, fuelled by nerves and excitement in equal measure. The band are young, tight, and clearly in sync, channelling early punk grit with a Libertines-style nonchalance. Every note feels rebellious – a statement of intent. They want to be heard, and we are listening.
Next up, End Credits continue to evolve without ever loosening their grip on a retro garage backbone. Their short set hits hard: no filler, no lull, delivered with bustling, sweat-slicked energy that never tips into chaos. Newer tracks lean heavier than before, almost Kyuss-level in places, and it suits them. My favourite, ‘I Need Time’, takes pride of place, making the room’s energy feel mutual.
The Last Time initially suggest a slightly bookish, music-student air, but any early assumptions quickly dissolve. There’s real warmth in their presence, and the songs brim with aching romanticism, carried by beautifully tight harmonies. The set rumbles before it soars, leaving me completely won over. I go home and look them up immediately – the clearest sign they’ve done something right.
Headliners, Risco, deliver a sound rooted in classic rock ’n’ roll, spiked with their own scrappy edge and restless energy – and it’s genuinely thrilling. Set staples ‘Triple Agent’ and ‘Le Chateau’ land with real punch, showcasing their knack for pairing garage riffs with knowing swagger. Debut single ‘It’s Over’ is gorgeous, one fist gripping the indie reins, while their rework of T. Rex’s ‘20th Century Boy’ is leaner and grittier than any version I’ve heard.
Maya naturally commands attention; her twangy, tightly controlled basslines give the songs real pulse. Yet this is a trio operating as one. Ralf matches the intensity with sharp, explosive guitar work and effortless frontman charm, while the drums provide the beating heart, driving the mix and pushing everything forward. Shared glances, split-second cues, and perfectly timed bursts of noise prove that each member carries that unmistakable essence: we are Risco.
