It’s been a coming-of-age journey for Art School Girlfriend. Starting out in the scene as a member of shoegaze outfit Deaf Club, somewhere along the lines, solo artist Polly Mackey dipped her toe into the pool of production and never turned back. Art School Girlfriend was swiftly spawned in 2017, with debut EP ‘Measures’ filled with yearning, lead single ‘Bending Back’ seeing Mackey scramble over the crumbs someone had left for them. Fast forward nine years later, and the world of Art School Girlfriend has opened up, blossoming into the third album ‘Lean In’ that is equal parts longing and peace.
For the Manchester leg of the tour we find ourselves in Gorilla, tucked underneath the rumbling railway tracks. It’s an early start, Yorkshire’s own Kloyd opens the night just before 8pm, an electronic artist and composer. Contained in a compact triangle of keyboards, synths and cables, they bring a smooth, ambient set that feels almost meditative – the only movement is Kloyd’s head bobbing up and down, arching over equipment to adjust, as if the audience was invisible. It’s an invitation for movement, the silent, fierce concentration of the producer unravels the audience, as arms snake around waists and shoulders brush up against each other, melting away the stresses of the day gone by for a small moment of uninterrupted connection – to the music, the body, the mind.
At a prompt 8:45pm, Art School Girlfriend takes the stage, joined by her live band, including frequent collaborator/wife (couple goals) Marika Hackman, an acclaimed singer-songwriter in her own right. Behind the set-up, a projector runs parallel behind them, a visual element to each song on the setlist, building up the work of Art School Girlfriend into a world, where every element is considered and explored.
The setlist cherry picks its way through Mackey’s sprawling discography, most notably picking up tracks from newest release ‘Lean In’ as well as her critically acclaimed sophomore record ‘Soft Landing’. Deep cuts from her early singles get excited cheers, debut single ‘Bending Back’ and ‘Diving’ are pulled from the archive much to the crowds’ delight. It’s in these where the growth of Art School Girlfriend is clear to see – there’s a confidence, an assurance lyrically and sonically that has grown over the years, from desperately grasping in ‘Diving’ to the security of ‘L.Y.A.T.T’, a glittering, dance gem from the latest record that whirls around the room, joined by Hackman on backing vocals.
Debut album title track ‘Is It Light Where You Are?’ is emphatically dedicated to the sole person in the room going through a breakup, a song that sounds like “someone crying into their laptop” (Mackey’s words). In fact it’s a standout track, Mackey’s voice floating through thick ambience, whilst recordings of sunset’s taken at different times around the world flicker through, shining through the fog. Following track ‘Out There’ is about appreciating the beauty in life, balancing the scale.
All the emotion of Art School Girlfriend is still there from the first single, the deep introspection that runs through every record. ‘Lean In’ is no different, but instead of letting it consume her, she’s decided to dance in the rain.
Kaitlyn Brockley
Images: Kaitlyn Brockley / @kaitlynb.jpeg
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