On Sunday, September 29th, we had the pleasure of being invited to The Irrepressibles Gig at Manchester’s iconic Gorilla venue, hosted by the legendary Homobloc. For those unfamiliar, Homobloc is a queer collective and event series that has been at the forefront of celebrating LGBTQ+ culture through music and performance art. From our great city of Manchester, Homobloc has become synonymous with creating inclusive spaces where diversity, self-expression, and the vibrant queer community can shine. Their events, often featuring cutting-edge acts, have garnered a loyal following, and their influence reaches far beyond Manchester.
Getting through the downpour, we arrived soaked to Gorilla. Stepping in, we were hit by the sounds of The Red Stains, a Manchester-based band known for their raw, gender-anarchic rock sound. Their visceral energy immediately filled the room, offering a punk-infused spectacle that was both intimate and intense. With chaotic riffs and fierce vocals, their performance had the crowd buzzing from the get-go. The Red Stains have built a reputation for delivering unapologetically bold sets, and Sunday night was no exception—setting the perfect stage for what was to follow.
When The Irrepressibles took the stage, it became clear that this was not just a concert but an art performance. Led by the enigmatic Jamie Irrepressible, the band included a three-piece string section, bass, guitar, keys, and drums. The dancers added an additional layer of expression to the already theatrical set. Their performance blurred the lines between classical orchestration and visceral indie-rock, creating a rich, textured soundscape.
A standout moment for me was their haunting rendition of "The Desert." The strings were the star of this song, their melancholic yet graceful tones weaving an emotional narrative that acted as a poignant segue into the more aggressive, punk-infused sections of the set. I feel that this is a perfect example of The Irrepressibles’ ability to balance tenderness with power—guttural, passionate vocals rising over expansive soundscapes, which often crescendoed into thrilling climaxes.
The show highlighted tracks from their newest album,Yo Homo!, released just days before on September 27th, 2024. Jamie Irrepressible’s voice—deep, gritty, and swooning—guided the audience through an emotionally charged journey, embodying the album's themes of queer identity, lust, and love. Yo Homo! is an exhilarating blend of punk-rock energy, symphonic melodies, and indie-rock grit, with Jamie's vocals ebbing and weaving through each track like a narrative thread.
A particularly memorable moment came during "Ecstasy Homosexual," the closing track of the album, where slow-building guitars and drums culminated in a cathartic symphonic crescendo, leaving the audience in awe. The song's erotic power and emotional depth encapsulated the essence of Yo Homo!—a record that isn’t afraid to confront, celebrate, and express the full spectrum of the queer experience.
As Jamie puts it:
“I wanted to make a record specifically for the queer community, to create a safe space where people feel they are being expressed" .
This sentiment rang true throughout the performance, each song carrying a sense of liberation and authenticity. The combination of sweeping orchestral elements, punk-rock bravado, and queer-political undertones made for a truly unique live experience.
Yo Homo! marks a new era for The Irrepressibles, a celebration of queer identity that channels the rawness of Jamie’s indie-rock roots with the intricate beauty of classical instrumentation. The album, composed and produced entirely by Jamie, features 11 tracks that are lavish yet taut, an adventure that defies easy categorisation. From the punk-tinged title track "Yo Homo" to the introspective "Raise My Soul", inspired by Jamie's first time in a gay bar, the album is a testament to the power of music as a vehicle for self-expression and connection.
The Irrepressibles’ live performance was triumphal— immersive, deeply emotional show that lingered long after the final note had been played. If Yo Homo! is any indication of where Jamie Irrepressible is headed creatively, we’re in for a thrilling new chapter.
Their tour continues throughout October, with upcoming stops in Bristol, Leeds, London, and beyond. Don’t miss the chance to experience this bold and unforgettable act live. Check out our montage of the night at the beginiing of this article, and follow us to become part of the Acid Rain community ❤️
As always, we will see you at the front!
Have a look at their tour dates here:
03/10/2024 - Bristol The Fleece
05/10/24 Leeds, The Wardrobe
06/10/24 London 100 Club
08/10/24 - The Black Box, BELFAST
09/10/24 Edinburgh Mash House
10/10/24 Birmingham Hare & Hounds
11/10/24 - Oxford, upstairs O2
15/10/24 - Brighton The Old Market
17/10/24 - Berlin, Germany - GRETCHEN CLUB
19 /10/24 - Tblisi, Georgia - Mono Hall
TICKET LINK: www.linktr.ee/theirrepressibles
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