Kula Shaker Remind Manchester How to Trip in Technicolour
- Desh Kapur
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
O2 Ritz Manchester – February 12th 2026
WORDS AND IMAGES TONI SLATER
A Psychedelic Revival in Full Colour
The night at the iconic Manchester Ritz kicked off with local band Dream Machine, who immediately set the tone for what was to come. Their tight, energetic set of dreamy guitar textures and catchy hooks warmed up the crowd perfectly, offering a playful, modern counterpoint to the main act. The audience responded enthusiastically, smiles and cheers spreading quickly, and it was clear that Dream Machine had earned their moment in the spotlight before Kula Shaker took over.
Kula Shaker’s return to the iconic Manchester Ritz was never going to be a simple nostalgia exercise. Instead, it arrived as a bold reminder that the band remain deeply committed to the swirling, technicolour psychedelia that first defined them — and still fuels them now. From the moment they stepped onstage, the room was saturated in colour, sound and intent. This tour supports their new album Wormslayer, (Check Out All MUsic Magazine UK Review Here) released just weeks ago, and the setlist smartly threaded fresh material through classic staples, never allowing the pace — or the mood — to dip.
Crispian Mills was in commanding form, radiating confidence and charm while delivering vocals that were both assured and expressive. There’s an ease to his stage presence that comes from experience rather than ego, and it set the tone for the night. Musically, Kula Shaker leaned hard into their signature blend of Britpop swagger, ’60s psychedelia and mystical rock flourishes. Guitars shimmered, Hammond organ lines spiralled, and the band’s unmistakable sonic identity filled the room with ease.
Newer tracks stood tall alongside the classics, offering a heavier, richer sound that proved Wormslayer isn’t just a nostalgic footnote but a genuine continuation of the band’s creative momentum. The band played with tight precision but loose spirit, their chemistry relaxed and instinctive — the product of decades spent speaking the same musical language. Crowd favourites like Infinite Sun, Hush and Tattva landed with impact, drawing rapt attention as much for their visual presentation as their enduring melodies.
Atmosphere played a huge role. The air was thick with sweet incense, amplifying the sensory overload created by a vivid light show. Swirling backdrops — somewhere between a kaleidoscope and a lava lamp — bounced colour across the Ritz’s walls, creating visuals that were playful rather than overpowering. The lighting complemented the music perfectly, turning the show into a full audio-visual experience. Guest vocalist Triparna Mukherjee added a striking new dimension to Chura Liya, before returning for an epic nine-minute encore of Govinda, a clear high point of the night. Her classical vocals elevated the performance, adding depth and distinction.
The Ritz itself proved an inspired choice — its sprung dancefloor, warm acoustics and vintage ballroom character providing the perfect setting for Kula Shaker’s kaleidoscopic sound.
The crowd reflected the band’s broad appeal: ’90s fans reconnecting with their youth alongside newer listeners discovering the band’s magic for the first time. Together, they swayed, sang and bounced in unison, creating an atmosphere that felt celebratory without tipping into self-indulgence.
For long-time fans, it was a reaffirmation. For newcomers, it was proof that psychedelic rock — when delivered with conviction and confidence — still has real bite.
By the encore, the Ritz felt completely unified — moving, singing and fully locked in. Kula Shaker didn’t just revisit Manchester; they reignited it. The result was a show that felt vivid, communal and very much alive.
SET LIST
1. Lucky Number
2. Good Money (Snippet of Fool’s Gold by The Stone Roses)
3. Charge of the Light Brigade
4. Broke as Folk
5. Chura Liya (You Stole My Heart)
6. Natural Magick
7. Infinite Sun
8. Shower Your Love
9. Sound of Dreams
10. Be Merciful
11. Shaunie
12. Day For Night
13. Wormslayer
ENCORE
14. 303
15. Tattva
16. Hush (Joe South cover)
17. Godiva
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