Self Esteem delivers pop power, vulnerability, and total catharsis at Manchester Academy
- Michael Bond
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Manchester Academy 29th September 2025
WORDS / IMAGES MICHAEL BOND
Rebecca Lucy Taylor, AKA Self Esteem, has seen a meteoric rise over the last 4 years, following the release of her second solo album “Prioritise Pleasure”, and is rounding off a 3-day residency by delivering a masterclass in emotional release. Bringing down the house as part of her “A Complicated Woman” album tour.
The evening begins with a last-minute replacement for the under the whether Moonchild Sanelly, in the form of Tom Rasmussen. Tom is someone who’s already familiar with a Self Esteem show, supporting her on the previous Prioritise Pleasure tour, all be it with more time to prepare.
Tom has been drafted in with only minimal time to rehearse backstage and a guitar player who has been plucked from a walking holiday in the Peak District to help fill in. Additionally, Tom is joined with another friend on procession, made up of an orange shaker and a set of bongos sourced from his dads shed. All this said, the stripped back, raw and vulnerable set is nothing short of breathtaking, filled with a mix of original music and covers from the likes of Goldfrapp.
That electricity only intensifies when Self Esteem emerges under flashing strobes to open with “I Do and I Don’t Care.” It’s an unapologetic statement of intent; a mission declaration wrapped with shimmering production and a deadpan delivery. Right from the outset, Taylor has the Academy in the palm of her hand.
The setlist tonight is laid out like a manifesto, expertly curated with a blend of tracks fromPrioritise Pleasure and this year’s critically acclaimed A Complicated Woman. Each song has been placed with purpose, guiding the audience through a triumphant and raw emotional roller coaster. From the biting “Mother” to the bruised beauty of “You Forever”, Taylor showcases her ability to shape pop into something artful, empowering, and deeply personal.
“Logic, Bitch!” and “Prioritise Pleasure” both erupt like battle cries, met with a crowd that sings every word back with their arms raised. The latter’s spoken-word outro, once provocative, now feels almost sacred, a mantra that is shouted across the whole venue with a feeling of solidarity.
The staging and lighting throughout the show are minimal but meaningful, with harsh flashes of light accompanying the heavier tracks, while soft tones cover the room during more intimate moments. Choreography, performed with precision by Taylor and her dancers, is both fierce and fluid, complementing the overall message without overshadowing it.
There’s an emotional tightrope throughout the show, and Taylor walks it with grace. “Fucking Wizardry” surges with swagger, only to be followed by the shadowy vulnerability of “The Curse.” Each shift is intentional, and the crowd respond without missing a beat, dancing one moment and swaying the next while trying to take in what they’re witnessing.
As Taylor moves through “What Now,” “The 345,” “Cheers to Me,” and “If Not Now, It’s Soon,” the crowd’s energy never falters as each track builds on the last. It’s moments like this that make Self Esteem’s live shows feel less like concerts and more like a theatrical performance combined with communal therapy.
The final stretch of the main set concludes with “The Deep Blue Okay” and “Okay”. Slowing things down with these two introspective and delicate songs, without losing power. Taylor’s vocal control remains flawless while her delivery is intimate, as though she’s whispering to each person in the crowd individually.
The encore begins with “I Do This All the Time,” delivered in its full spoken-word glory, as the Academy stands in collective stillness. It’s equal parts sermon and confession, pop poetry at its most confrontational and comforting, and you can hear a pin drop between each line.
Ending with “Focus Is Power,” the night’s final surge of strength beats down. As strobes flicker, the room transforms into one last euphoric release, with Taylor and her band dancing, the audience do the same. Creating an unforgettable end to the night.
Tonight, Self Esteem’s performance has been more than just a pop concert, it’s been a rallying cry. With Taylor turning her own vulnerability into armour and inviting the crowd to do the same.
As fans begin to leave the venue, there’s a tangible sense of transformation. This hasn’t just been an artist performing, it’s an artist offering herself up, being raw and honest. reminding us how powerful it can be to just simply feel.
Setlist:
I Do and I Don't Care
Mother
Lies
69
You Forever
Logic, Bitch!
Prioritise Pleasure
Fucking Wizardry
The Curse
In Plain Sight
What Now
The 345
Cheers to Me
If Not Now, It’s Soon
The Deep Blue Okay
Encore:
I Do This All the Time
Focus Is Power
FOLLOW SELF ESTEEM
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