Gig review: Allo Darlin' at The Old Cold Store

Well, this was an incredible reunion. Not just of the bands, but all the fans as well. You just had to be there.

Having last played at The Maze (RIP), both bands made a welcome return, hosted by Sam Metcalf of A Layer of Chips-fame; or as Elizabeth from Allo Darlin' described him, "brought out of retirement", and being "the nicest and most efficient promoter ever" (he's not that old).

Friends from years ago were there and I could hardly walk two paces without stopping to say Hi to someone. This was a beautiful night, one echoed by the new signs on street lights on Mansfield Road proclaiming "You're Welcome" and "Be Kind". The moon was full outside and inside, the band having lassoed and tamed it for the evening, complete with a transit in progress: in reality a random piece of paper casting a shadow from the roof beams. It all added to the magical feeling.

Support was from friends The Hobbes Fanclub, from Bradford, also returning to live music with added local lad Ian, from Horowitz. They pick on influences from our late teens and the feelings that we could be different through our love of fuzzed-up niche music, which in many cases now defines an era. The Hobbes Fanclub, clearly love this and put a new take on it, now we're in the second decade of a new century.

It was great to hear them again and I hope there will be more to come. In charge of the merchandise were Where It's At Is Where You Are records and Fika records, both responsible for supporting the bands over the years and doing a roaring trade tonight. So many smiling faces.

And so to the main act. With a shimmering moon on the stage, they launched onto If Loneliness was Art, delighting the audience. This was not a night which only looked backwards, though. Both bands played new songs, new arrangements and with added members. Allo Darlin' showcased their recently released album Bright Nights, which was reviewed by The Guardian as a "masterclass of classic indiepop".

There was a truly international audience in attendance, with band member Bill travelling from Melbourne, Australia, and fans from Texas, USA. Elizabeth herself now lives in Norway. There was no prize for the furthest distance, just an appreciation from Elizabeth and tales of SXSW.

The band's songs track Elizabeth's journey around the globe and her love of the world, science and art, as well as her loves and losses. Always open to the audience, the band had been sent a request earlier and happily played The Letter.

No commercial recommendation, but Elizabeth was using Britney Spears-style earplugs, which were great; but she couldn't hear if the audience were having a good time. We agreed that we would smile a lot more. 

More tales of tequila in Arizona, and then into Bill's first penned song (You Don't Think Of Me At All) to make it onto an Allo Darlin' album, before an introduction for new band member Tia on keys and tambourine. There was some discussion with band members on the last song on the set list Hymn on the 45, which was the last thing they wrote before their hiatus; and then, a four-song encore starting with favourite Tallulah, which always brings tears to the eyes of many. It's the simplest of songs: just Elizabeth and a ukulele, alone on stage, and perfect. 

As the rest of the band returned, they finished with Some People Say, crowd favourite Kiss Your Lips and finally Bright Eyes. Afterwards, outside, the man in the moon looked down and smiled.

Allo Darlin' performed at The Old Cold Store on 7th October 2025.

@allodarlinmusic