HOPE OF THE STATES (Manchester Gorilla/London Dome, 04/12/24 & 06/12/24)

When I was 18 years old, I discovered a band from Chichester who I genuinely thought were the best band in the world. Then they split, life moved on and I thought I'd never see them again. Fast-forward to yesterday, and once more I find myself front-row for Hope of the States' first gig since 2006, and it was as emotional as you'd expect. Old songs! New songs! Obscure B-sides! Mike nearly dropping his bow whilst he was in the 'zone'! Sam's happy-but-relieved grin at the end of "Black Dollar Bills"! The audience bellowing the refrain from "Enemies/Friends" during the pre-encore break! A dream come true.