Din Of Celestial Birds land in Manchester in support of their latest album, Takeoffs & Landings. Wildernessess and Swamped are in support.

SWAMPED

Swamped open up the evening. The quartet are a local band and one that are clearly very happy to be in the company of the amassing crowd, and the other bands on the bill.

Their most recent EP is Goltraighe; it is from this that the band pull their set from. Antony Dewar showcases some great tones in his vocal delivery with his hardcore / post-hardcore / emo delivery. Robbie Diamond assists on bass and vocals. Chris Gaduzo is an energetic presence on guitar whilst Jack Ray-Atkins holds tempo on drums.

Occam’s Shaving Kit is a highlight of the set. It’s introduced as a heavier track and it does have a sharper edge. The songs that Swamped sing are clearly in the age old tradition of rebellion. Whilst being quite raw, the band have plenty of potential.

WILDERNESSES

With Growth, Wildernesses released one of our favourite albums of 2026 (our review here). It is ‘a debut that hits with rare emotional heft – nine tracks of shimmering post-gaze that pull no punches on grief, memory, and the sheer graft of keeping yourself upright.’

In the live setting, the band are tight. The songs from Growth sit well in the intimate confines of The Yard. The décor somewhat resembles that of the album cover art with pot plants sat behind drummer Ryan Browne. Opening with Four Hour Drive, the band showcase Growth immaculately. It is an upbeat opener and sets the tone. English Darkness is a little mellower but still packs a punch as it reaches its climax.

Phillip Morris is an enigmatic presence fronting the band. He twirls around stepping out of the confines of the ‘stage’ at The Yard. His vocals are heartfelt and his guitar tone warm. Mark Portnoi (bass) and Sam Howe (guitar) make up the quartet with Howe adding plenty of texture to proceedings.

When the band reach the end of their set, the epic Summertime 1917 shows just how hard this band can hit you. Not through sonic bluster, but through subtlety and sincerity. They’re the perfect foil for Din Of Celestial Birds.

DIN OF CELESTIAL BIRDS

Din Of Celestial Birds exceed all expectations in the cosy ambience of The Yard.  With the stage area being nothing more than a huge carpet, the band encourage people to step forward and enclose them. When sat practically side-stage, it is like they’re playing in your front room.

All their technical gadgetry is laid before your eyes as the four guitar focussed group play through their latest album, Takeoffs & Landings (our review here). So close are we all that it would have been possible to assist guitarists tuning up, and it was possible to follow the intricate fretwork on show at extremely close quarters. 

Musically, Din Of Celestial Birds can shift rapidly from tranquil, tuneful melodies into an almighty cacophany that is powerfully charged. Each member of the band are not navel – contemplating musicians; they hop around stage, changing places, interacting with each other and of course, most of all, the audience who. It is an immersive experience seeing DoCB and the smiles plastered across everyone’s faces permeate the room.

A SONIC KALEIDOSCOPE

There is a whole kaleidoscope of sonic instrumentals, staccato riffs and powerful cymbal shots. Gentle keyboards erupt into ringing guitar licks, but above all you are always swathed in melodies amongst the dizzying meshes of  breathless guitar work. At one moment, drummer Vince Knight-Schrijver plays almost imperceptible Indian bells before another maelstrom hits. 

Guitarist Chris Core twists and twirls centre stage as Matt Benatan throws his huge bass around. At such close quarters, it is a real thrill to be a part of it. Throughout the evening, all members of the band complement each other as each one takes a lead as the rest fill musical spaces

The only vocals heard are spoken amidst ascending riffs. It is a deep voice which announces the final piece in which percussion was given a brief highlight. As the music swirls around filling every space in the room, one member of the band weaves his way through the whole room ending an astonishing performance.

Din of Celestial Birds are clearly a band going places, already having a reputation as one of the most exciting bands in Europe. They are deserving of larger audiences and a bigger profile, such is their talent, skill and quality.

Din Of Celestial Birds: Bandcamp

Wildernesses: Bandcamp

Swamped: Bandcamp

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