Fences\\\\ lead a powerful four-band line-up on their last night in the UK.
Manchester’s Lion’s Den is proud to call itself ‘a social space for everyone’, and based on its history of showcasing a diverse range of local and emerging artists across all genres, it certainly lives up to that statement. On the 14th of April 2026, it did exactly that. The venue welcomed four very different bands, all coming together to deliver a night of live music headlined by Fences\\\\, a French alternative rock supergroup on their first-ever tour of the UK.
The distinctive room above the pub was the perfect setting for such a special evening. With its high ceiling and wooden beams, it had a rustic ambience unlike any other grassroots venue.
WESTHEADS
First on stage were Westheads – a duo consisting of a vocalist and a guitarist. Currently in the early stages of building their social media presence, not much is known about the band, but the mystery only adds to their originality.
Armed with notebooks filled with handwritten notes, the frontman came across as a powerful personality with confident views and not a damn to give. With lyrics as unfiltered as they come, at times bizarre and bouncing between rap and reggae in delivery, his performance was expressive and utterly arresting. Contrasting the vocals was a gritty guitar sound: loud and prominent, it didn’t shy away but was an equally important part of the show. Never competing but coexisting, the two members of Westheads form a strong and intriguing pairing that could cause a bit of a stir indeed.
DESIRE LINES
Desire Lines came next and they proved that a blend of Queens of the Stone Age and Kings of Leon is a match made in heaven.
The alt indie-rock trio from Manchester and Bolton quickly won the crowd over with their optimistic energy and wonderfully friendly attitude. Most of their tracks were upbeat and fierce, some even mosh-able, but they also sprinkled in a few darker, moodier bits that showcased the breadth of their range. With songs overflowing with passionate shouts and sharp riffs, they delivered a classic rock sound that never grows old.
WORRIED
‘Loud and sad in Manchester’ is how the next support act, alternative trio Worried, describe themselves on Instagram, and a more fitting description would be impossible to find.
Dark basslines, echoing the influence of The Cure, combined with dirty, Dan Auerbach-style riffs and the best-dressed drummer in the business, came together to create an intricate, sophisticated, and a completely unique performance.
The seamless integration of ‘Shout’ by Tears for Fears into one of their songs, still recognisable yet reimagined in Worried’s style, made it seem as if Ronald Orzabal and Ian Stanley wrote the track for this exact moment, and it had been waiting there for the last 42 years. A masterclass in the only way covers should be done.
FENCES\\\\
Jumping around, climbing onto speakers, and even hopping into the audience, Fences\\\\’ performance at Lion’s Den closed their UK tour with a real bang. Drawing inspiration from some of the most iconic Scottish rock bands like Biffy Clyro, the Parisian rockers create a powerful, roaring sound that is dynamic, loud, and impressively well-produced.
Their energy and stage presence were explosive, and their attention to detail impeccable: from coordinated outfits and an epic walk-on track to pre-recorded sound effects in the intros of their songs.
Although far from filled, the room was beaming with positivity, the audience cheering and applauding loudly after every track. The enthusiasm didn’t go unnoticed by the band who were genuinely grateful to everyone present and often thanked them for their support.
That Wednesday night, Lion’s Den hosted four promising bands, giving the audience an entertaining evening of authentic grassroots music. For Fences\\\\, it was their first time performing in Manchester, and although they headed back to Paris the following morning, one can only hope they return soon with the same energy and a fresh set of rock bangers.
