On Wednesday night fans said farewell to beloved indie-band Sundara Karma at Manchester’s O2 Ritz – supported by Birmingham band Overpass.
Live for the last time, Sundara Karma’s penultimate gig in Manchester was just one of four tour dates that saw the indie-band say goodbye to three albums and ten years worth of music.
Packed to the brim with sweaty but adorning fans, Overpass warmed up the crowd before Sundara Karma took to the stage.
Starting out with a bang, ‘A Young Understanding’ blared out for the final time into the ears of an emotional, yet screaming, Manchester crowd. Undoubtedly one of their most popular songs from their first album, ‘Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect’, the shoulder-to-shoulder sea of people swayed energetically as lead singer Oscar’s distinct voice bounced throughout the venue – kicking off what was to be an electric farewell gig.
With the band being prominent on the indie-scene since 2014, it was an emotional night for long-time followers of Sundara Karma. And as a nod to their roots, Indigo Puff from their very first EP made it onto the setlist – which had the crowd roaring with delight.
The Reading-based band did not, however, ignore songs from their most recent, and last-ever, album ‘Better Luck Next Time’. So old and new fans alike got to hear songs like ‘Friends of Mine’ and ‘Baby Blue’ for possibly the first, but definitely the last-time on Wednesday night.
Whilst they rattled through many fan-favourites, Sundara Karma made sure to leave no stone unturned and tracks from their semi-psychedelic 2019 album ‘Ulfilas’ Alphabet’ flooded the venue.
‘Greenhands’, ‘Illusions’ and of course the crowd-pleasing ‘One Last Night On This Earth’ ramped up the energy two-fold as the concert came to a close.
But of course, no gig is complete without an encore – and as Sundara Karma rocked-up to the stage for one final song, the fans cheered, screamed and sang along to ‘Flame’.
It is safe to say that there were many sore throats to come.
So, what can only be classed as one hell of a send-off, new and old fans bid farewell to yet another nostalgic indie-band and hope for a reunion in the future.
Featured image: Sundara Karma at the O2 Ritz in Manchester by Meghan Glover.
