A Night Of Legends - ‘Everyone Says Hi’ Captivates Fans At Heartbreakers

Heartbreakers Venue in Southampton was filled with fans excited to see Nick Hodgson's band Everyone Says Hi. Everyone Says Hi are a new band which is fronted by former Kaiser Chiefs member Nick Hodgson, who released their debut tracks just this year.

First to take the stage was the support act, Teenage Waitress, whose captivating blend of upbeat yet bluesy tunes set the tone perfectly for the evening, complementing the vibe of Everyone Says Hi. With a full band setup, featuring drums, electric guitars, and bass, Teenage Waitress brought a lively and dynamic energy to the stage. The five-piece band created a sound, filling the venue with vibrant melodies. By the end of the set, ‘Cry Cry Cry’ had left a lasting impression, its infectious chorus ringing in everyone’s ears. The drums, especially during the chorus, were the driving force, adding an intensity that elevated the entire performance. Teenage Waitress had the crowd fully warmed up and ready for the rest of the evening.

Next up was support act Johnny Lloyd, whose soft, sombre tones provided a contrast to the more upbeat sound of Teenage Waitress. Known for his work with the band Tribes, Johnny performed a few of their songs, with his music centred around the harmonica and guitar. He opened his set by introducing the harmonica, setting the tone for an intimate and raw performance. The guitar was played with a raw, soulful quality, adding depth to his sound. 

Johnny introduced ‘Dreamland’ as a song his grandmother requested for her funeral, making it an emotional highlight of the set. The poignant lyrics, "come take my hand and walk me through my dreamland," stood out, and his bluesy, powerful vocals carried the emotion throughout the room. The audience stood in awe, visibly moved as the song lingered with its closing line, "And come walk with me through my dreamland", with the music continuing softly for another minute.

Another standout track was ‘Happy Humans’, the first song he wrote for his solo EP. Although more upbeat than the rest of the set, the guitar maintained a mellow, soft vibe. His closing song, ‘Next Episode Starts In 15 Seconds’, had a similarly gentle, melancholic guitar tone, evoking a bittersweet atmosphere. Overall, Johnny Lloyd received a warm response from the crowd, with many fans swaying to the music and immersing themselves in the heartfelt performance.

Lastly, the one everyone had been waiting for, Everyone Says Hi took the stage, opening their set with ‘Somebody Somewhere’. The song began with a powerful drum beat and an electrifying guitar riff that immediately grabbed the audience’s attention. The intense energy of the intro set the tone for the rest of the performance, continuing the indie-rock, bluesy vibe that had been building throughout the night. Their blend of indie rock with blues undertones brought a unique texture to the performance, offering both upbeat, energetic tracks and more emotionally charged moments. The lighting design added another layer to the experience, with a dynamic array of colours and tones that shifted with the mood of each song. 

The inclusion of ‘Modern Way’ on the setlist was a nostalgic highlight for the crowd, as it comes from Nick Hodgson's time with the Kaiser Chiefs. Hearing this classic track live once again brought a wave of excitement and familiarity, instantly resonating with long-time fans. It was a moment of happiness, as many in the audience cheered at the recognition of the beloved anthem, blending Hodgson's past success with his new chapter in Everyone Says Hi. The track is driven by a strong rhythm and guitar riffs, the repeated lyric of “There's always a reason, a reason to stay” stood out throughout this song. The band closed with ‘Brain Freeze’, a perfect choice for the finale. The repetitive, haunting lyrics at the end “I’ll be far away” echoed through the venue, leaving a lingering emotional impact.

In the end, Everyone Says Hi delivered a live music experience that was both euphoric and emotionally captivating. With their powerful vocals, engaging stage presence, and ability to connect deeply with their fans, this band has proven that they are not only great on record but also a force to be reckoned with live. It was a night that left fans wanting more, and it’s clear that Everyone Says Hi is a band to keep an eye on.

Olivia Brown

@concertsbyolivia

Images: Olivia Brown