There’s no lie when the American indie folk band The 502’s are described as “The happiest band on earth!” We got incredibly lucky enough to catch them at Manchester at Academy 2 on the 23rd of November as they travel across the UK & Ireland on their pure serotonin tour. Despite them coming across the pond during winter, The 502’s manage to always bring a lovely amount of warmth and sunshine wherever they go.
Photography by Em Fletch.
From start to finish, the energy in the room is palpable as feet start tapping, and bodies sway to the irresistible beats. From foot-stomping jigs to soul-stirring ballads, the sheer passion and authenticity of the musicians captivate every soul in the audience. The moment you step foot through the doors to a 502’s show, the pulsating energy in the air hits you like a wave, electrifying every fiber of your being. Time seems to escape in this enchanting space, with each song weaving stories of love, loss, and resilience. As the final notes resonate, and the audience erupts into applause, there’s a lingering feeling of bliss that stays etched in your heart, a testament to the transformative power of folk music and its ability to ignite the spirit.
When an energetic band takes the stage and puts on a good performance, it’s an exhilarating experience that transcends mere entertainment, and this was one of those times. As it hit 9pm and the band emerged from the stage straight into their hit ‘Hey Julia’ the band captivates the audience from the get-go. As the show went on they continued to play their hits ‘Just a Little While” and “Magdalene” The stage became a dynamic playground for the band, with members effortlessly moving, weaving, and jumping in sync with the music. Yet it’s not just the technical prowess and synchronized movements that make this band’s performance exceptional. It’s the perceptible connection they form with the audience. Their eyes meet, smiles are exchanged, and a shared energy courses between them. Their infectious energy spills over into the crowd, igniting a collective frenzy of movement and pure joy. Bodies sway, heads bang and voices rise in unison, creating a symbiotic dance of celebration and release. The 502’s have a talent to engage with the crowd, inviting sing-alongs, cheers, and even sporadic bursts of applause.
We would 1000% recommend seeing The 502’s ASAP if you can get out to a show. With such a happy and unique energy, even people who don’t usually listen to indie folk will find enjoyment in the show due to the atmosphere alone. The band recently grew a following on tiktok, so we expected the crowd to be full of teenagers and young adults, yet the crowd was full of all ages and types of people. Groups of friends, parents on date nights, teenagers who couldn’t contain their excitement, and smaller kids whose merch t-shirts became dresses where they were so small, this band truly can be for everyone and anyone. The 502’s are a magical band and undoubtedly a pleasure to watch live.