Florentenes Turn the Heat Up at The Deaf Institute
- Desh Kapur
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Deaf Institute, Manchester 17th January 2026
WORDS KAT / IMAGES ANDI CALLEN
On a freezing January night in Manchester, The Deaf Institute once again does what it does best: provide the perfect pressure cooker for emerging bands ready to make a statement. The ornate, creaking venue just off Oxford Road has long been a proving ground for indie hopefuls, and on the 17th of January it felt primed for another addition to that lineage. With the cold biting outside, the room slowly filled with anticipation, pints in hand, as hometown favourites Florentenes prepared to turn the temperature up.
Support came from Cherryholt, who delivered a set that was understated but quietly impressive. Their sound leaned into melody and atmosphere, weaving warm guitar textures with smooth, confident vocals. There was a calm assurance to their performance, never forced, never overplayed, and it worked in their favour. By the end of the set, CherryHolt had successfully pulled the crowd in closer to the stage — the mark of a support band who understand exactly what their role is.
Then came Florentenes, and any lingering chill in the room was immediately obliterated. The rising Manchester indie-rock outfit wasted no time in asserting themselves, firing out sharp, guitar-driven tracks packed with urgency and intent. Drawing on the spirit of early-2000s indie while keeping things slick and restless — the kind that thrives in sweaty rooms like this.
Energy bounced constantly, driven by their obvious on-stage chemistry. Florentenes moved relentlessly, urging claps, shouts and sing-backs. Their set was stacked with well-written, hook-heavy songs, elevated by immaculate guitar tones, passionate vocals and drums that hit with real force. There was a weight to their indie rock — slightly heavier, slightly sharper — that gave the songs an extra punch live.
Most impressive was how effortlessly it all came together. Confident without arrogance, tight without feeling rehearsed to death, Florentenes played like a band who know exactly where they’re headed. By the final song, it felt clear that this wasn’t just another hometown gig, but another step forward. In a city as competitive as Manchester, nights like this are how momentum is built — and Florentenes left The Deaf Institute looking every bit like a band ready for bigger rooms.
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