Words by Hannah Rudrum

As soon as I entered the venue – one a bit on the smaller side, fitting for an intimate show – I knew the gig was going to be a special one. The stage’s set design was made to represent, what looked like, a gothic forest: adorned with tree cutouts and flowers, and on the mic stand a silver cross and a white mesh ribbon – it can only be described as beautiful.

Photo by Hannah Rudrum

The performance started at 8:30 – an hour and a half after the doors opened, and with no opener, it’s safe to say everyone was grateful for the show to finally start. Holly Humberstone sang both new and old songs, including some from her debut album ‘Paint My Bedroom Black’, which was released in 2023, and some not even released yet. Opening the show, though, she played “To Love Somebody” – a song which was a bit more fast-paced compared to others she played that night, but nonetheless beautiful with the acoustic set-up.

Having never listened to Holly Humberstone before, I did not really know what the vibe of the night would be like, nor did I know if I would actually like the music; it’s safe to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I particularly resonated with the song ‘Beauty Pageant’, an unreleased song about the experience of being a woman in the music industry, and in the world in general.

The gothic theme was finally confirmed midway through the set, with Holly introducing her 5^th song of the night – ‘Die Happy’ – as a gothic love song. Along with the other two singles off the album, already released, that she played that night (‘Cruel World’ and ‘To Love Somebody’), it was hauntingly mesmerising. If these three singles off the album (set to be released on 10^th April 2026) are anything to go by, I feel pretty confident in saying that the new album will be very special in the music world.

There was a stark contrast in the audience when it came to people near the front and people near the back of the audience: those at the front were singing to every song, and some were even crying; meanwhile, those close to the back seemed to constantly be talking, whether that be during the songs or just when Holly was introducing the songs. Perhaps it was simply because I was close to the back that I could hear it, but I did feel bad for Holly. Though it wasn’t a surprise that those at the front were completely enthralled by Holly – some had been waiting outside the venue for doors to open since 7 am!

Holly did not let any chatter from the back of the audience, if she could even hear it, distract her from putting on a wonderful performance. Although there was limited interaction with any fans in the crowd, she clearly cared about her audience – asking multiple times if everyone was okay, if anyone needed water, and if the temperature was alright for everyone – all very thoughtful.

Overall, the performance was lovely, a good way to spend the midweek. Her songs suited the acoustic sound and gothic aesthetic, and I am so excited to hear the new album ‘Cruel World’ in full when it gets released in April. I cannot wait to see what else Holly Humberstone creates, and also to see how the main tour compares to this more intimate show (I have high hopes, and I am certain it will live up to my expectations).

Photo by Hannah Rudrum