Words and photos by: Emily Howarth
Opening with “Crispy Skin,” Squid immediately set the tone for the evening—urgent, unrelenting, and bursting with raw energy. The song’s jagged guitars and dynamic tempo shifts acted as a perfect introduction to the rollercoaster that would follow.
“Building 650” and “Showtime!” were some highlights, with frontman Ollie Judge’s distinctive, almost panicked vocal delivery driving the music forward like a frenzied pulse. “G.S.K.,”, had the audience moving with the beat.
Squid’s unique approach to post-punk, infused with jazz, krautrock, and electronic elements, was on full display throughout the night, definitely getting strong NEU! vibes. “Swing (in a Dream)” took us into a trance, with looping riffs and erratic drum patterns washing over like a wave.
“Cro-Magnon Man” and “Undergrowth” continued to push boundaries, allowing every member to demonstrate their virtuosity, shifting between instruments with ease and precision.
The encore began with “Interlude,” offering a moment of reflection before the last of the set. It was “Narrator” that truly stole the show with a surprise appearance of Martha Skye Murphy. Closing with “Well Met (Fingers Through the Fence),” Squid left us satisfied. The track’s pulsating rhythms and eerie melodies served as a fitting finale, leaving no doubt that we’d seen a good show.
View the full photo gallery below!
