Hinds – previously known as Deers before reverting to their native Spanish – hail from Madrid and are a fantastic band. Their music is joyful and energetic, and recent release Viva Hinds has rightfully earned them rave reviews and a larger following.

This record was the precursor to a massive, and overdue, European Tour in 2025.

I was supposed to shoot Hinds in January 2024 in Birkenhead’s Future Yard, but missed it due to Covid. I’ve been kicking myself since! Until the group announced they’d be visiting Gorilla in Manchester for the first time.

And it’s about time too!

The gig sold out in advance and, as per for Gorilla, was already jam-packed way before stage time. The whole gig ran early (a bonus for me): Hinds on at 20:15, support group Clutter on at 19:15.

Clutter are another excellent band on PNKSLM records, and definitely ones I’d watch again. They had a large crowd despite the early set time, thankfully.

The main event took the stage and the atmosphere went up SEVERAL notches! If you haven’t seen Hinds live it’s hard to convey their immediate energy and excitement. I first saw them in 2016 in Bilbao and have been desperate to shoot their gigs since – they did not disappoint!

Their enthusiasm is infectious – they are fully engaged with the crowd and vice-versa. At one point they will be IN the crowd; later the crowd will be on the stage! This is a fully interactive set and everyone was on board.

With 2 tours in the UK in 2 years – and their recent album featuring Beck and that lad from Fontaines – the future is bright for Hinds after a rocky period. The live scene, and anyone who enjoys good indie music, will be better off for it and for them.

Viva Hinds!