Paper Tigers Live - Aatma | UK Tour

Words by Tom F-H. Photos by Y-Control Photography.

Buried away in an inconspicuous alley in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, surrounded by bars and music venues, Aatma is surprisingly hard to find. After circling the block at least five times, asking a few intoxicated partygoers for directions, stumbling into the wrong gig at Peer Hat, and then walking past the front door twice, I successfully emerged into the concealed venue. I was immediately greeted by guitarist, promoter and tour manager Michael Smyth, and we had a friendly chat about all things tour related.

Paper Tigers released ‘Blue Light Trails’ earlier this year and, due to a thirst for live music that had gone un-quenched for far too long due to COVID, set out on their first full UK tour. Having released their first ever single in 2019, and three others since, Paper Tigers are a relatively new name to the UK alternative scene - from Northern Ireland no less - but have hit it with all the energy and determination of a band worthy of far more recognition. Touring pre-COVID was an immense effort, but a post-COVID tour requires a strong-willed team, and spearheading the organisation and logistics is Smyth.

From my comfy corner sofa at the back of Aatma, I sipped a Corona and watched No Vacancies representing Manchester indie rock as they played out their support slot. Their songs boasted catchy choruses and groovy verse rhythms, and they performed with energy. However, no contender’s energy could match that of Paper Tigers. Vocalist Hayley Norton stalked on-stage, and danced and moshed alongside Smyth, throwing smiles at bassist Emma Rose. Paper Tigers had done a really great job promoting and branding themselves online, but the stage is where they belonged, and everyone in the room knew it. I was especially impressed with Matt Milner’s up-tempo drumming as he sat back inconspicuously as the others took the front of the stage.

Paper Tigers describe themselves as on Instagram as “Blondie fronting The Distillers”. Their music style ranges from punk rock to pop rock, and everything in-between, as the band performed rock ballads, anthems and more up-beat tracks, before one of which Norton demanded to see the audience’s smiles.

Paper Tigers have announced that they will be releasing their debut EP ‘Graceless’ at some point in the near future. Thanks to Michael for inviting me to another enjoyable night in Manchester’s music scene, and I wish the band the best of luck on the rest of their tour.