Three Bands, One Epic Night: Gorilla’s Stage Goes Wild for Arkayla

By Arlo McCarthy
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There’s something electric about a night when local talent steps into the spotlight—and absolutely owns it. With Manchester’s Gorilla venue as the backdrop and a lineup buzzing with indie promise, this wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration of the North’s ever-growing music scene.
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The anticipation for Arkayla’s headline show at Gorilla Manchester was truly ‘Ecstasy'. Since seeing the band perform at Sound City, I’d grown more and more fond of Arkayla and their music that encapsulated the styles of The Strokes and The Reytons, so this gig was one I’d looked forward to.

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​The Mancunian band sold out the show more than 2 weeks prior, which was clear as to why as soon as the band began to play. The crowd featured fans young and old decked out in band t-shirts of the three bands set to play that night. This gig had one of the best line-ups of upcoming indie artists I’d ever seen- a perfect example of what the north of England has to offer. 

As the crowd built, the first opener, The North, stepped on stage. The rising indie-rock band was perfect to get Arkayla’s crowd going, whilst songs such as ‘Soundtrack Your Soul’ highlighted the band’s style, with erratic guitar-playing and heavy-hearted lyrics.  Despite the little crowd interaction and minimal audience participation, The North truly proved why they deserved their new-found fame in the indie scene. 

​By now, the iconic Manchester venue, Gorilla, was well in-bloom as Florentenes were next in the line-up. I’d previously seen the band perform twice supporting Sundara Karma and at Liverpool’s Sound City, and this performance didn’t disappoint, yet rather reminded me why they’d deserved to open for the likes of Jamie Webster and The Royston Club. Performing songs from their EP, Florentenes truly got the crowd going with synchronised clapping and sing-alongs to chorus’ of songs, including performing the unreleased track ‘Madeline’, which has proven to be a live-exclusive so far. We can definitely expect to see the four headlining iconic Manchester stages very soon.

As the venue reached full capacity, Arkayla stepped on stage and fans erupted into cheer, and the night’s headliners geared up for a gig to remember. Before it was their time to play, I’d spent some time backstage as the band prepared to come on-stage, and the boys showed very little nerves, proving that live music was almost natural to them. I followed the band as they began their performance and the overwhelming excitement from the crowd was paramount, as faces lit by the lighting screamed and applauded their entrance onto the Gorilla stage. 

Throughout their set, Arkayla performed fan-favourites such as ‘Lost in a Valentine’, as well as unreleased tracks such as ‘Doctor’- teased to be featured in an upcoming EP.  However, a key moment of the gig was during ‘Ella Malone’ when fans out-sang the band reciting every lyric and riff. The room filled with lyrics to the band’s iconic song and truly cemented that the tune had become a top song amongst fans. 
Arkayla performed a range of songs also in acoustic settings which showcased both the skill and varying styles of music the band attempts to cover across through their songs. 

Ultimately, it was a great night for indie lovers alike and a fantastic opportunity for the three rising Northern bands to gain not only experience but more fans, including myself. I look forward to seeing them play in/to bigger and better crowds and venues very soon. 

About the artists

​ARKAYLA is an alternative rock band carving a path through the UK’s underground music scene with a sound that fuses gritty guitars, emotionally charged vocals, and anthemic energy. Drawing influence from classic rock, post-grunge, and modern alt-rock, the band delivers high-octane performances that channel both angst and catharsis. With songs that dive into themes of self-discovery, resilience, and emotional turmoil, ARKAYLA connects with audiences who crave raw authenticity and musical power in equal measure.

The North is a Manchester-based rock band channeling the weight of modern life through a sound that’s both atmospheric and urgent. Merging the brooding textures of alternative rock with the grit of post-punk and the emotional pull of indie songwriting, the band crafts immersive tracks that speak to the restless, searching spirit of a new generation. With sweeping guitars, haunting vocals, and cinematic energy, The North delivers music that’s as introspective as it is powerful.

Florentenes are an indie rock band crafting cinematic soundscapes with a distinctly British edge. Combining shimmering guitars, melancholic lyricism, and rich sonic textures, the band draws inspiration from both the golden age of post-punk and the clarity of modern alternative music. With a sound that feels both expansive and intimate, Florentenes explore themes of love, loss, and identity—creating music that lingers long after the last note fades.​