Manchester based “dark synthpop” act Hurts kicked off their 2011 world tour down at the Brighton Dome on Wednesday 2nd February. We went down to show some support. The band had two brilliant support acts, up and coming female act Clare Maguire & Saint Saviour. Hurts entered the stage with a dramatic & almost cinematic instrumental opening, with visual support from a backdrop displaying eerie & eye capturing images. They then kicked off their set with the opening track from their album, ‘Happiness’, named Silver Lining, followed shortly by their hit debut single ‘Wonderful Life’, Sunday and other tracks from the album, plus a few B-Sides. The sound was smashing at the Dome for it’s brilliant acoustics, which held the low subs of the synth-basslines, to the highs of guitars and the occasional saxophone all in perfect balance. All in all a very good night, and if they’re playing near your area, then I highly recommend grabbing yourself a ticket, you won’t be disappointed.

Hurts
Brighton Dome
Wednesday 2nd February 2011

Words and photos by Conor Allen

www.flickr.com/photos/conorallen/