The vibrant heart of Exeter's music scene came alive last Saturday as Pale Blue Eyes took to the main stage at Exeter Phoenix. With their third studio album, New Place, freshly released in March, fans packed the venue to experience the band’s mix of shoegaze and dream pop. Supported by indie pop trio Silk Cuts, the evening proved to be a celebration of musical innovation and community spirit.
Opening the night, Silk Cuts delivered a performance that transported the audience back to the jangly glory days of the 80s. Echoing influences like The Popguns and The Pastels, this Exeter-based trio blends nostalgia with originality. Their DIY ethos shines through in everything they do, from self-produced merchandise to hands-on advertising, demonstrating a passionate connection to their craft.
On stage, they brought an infectious energy that resonated with fans and newcomers alike. Their set proved their status as stalwarts of Exeter’s music scene, balancing melodic hooks with raw, heartfelt lyrics. Seeing them on the main stage at Phoenix was monumental—proof that the band’s self-made approach has earned them a rightful place in the spotlight.
When Pale Blue Eyes took the stage, it was clear that this was not just another gig—it was a homecoming. While now based in Sheffield, the South West remains close to their hearts, and Saturday night’s performance confirmed that their roots run deep in Exeter.
Launching into tracks from New Place, the band’s synergy was remarkable. Aubrey's rhythmic bass grooves danced effortlessly across the stage as Lucy’s drumming anchored the sonic exploration with precision. Matt’s reverb-drenched guitar enveloped the room, while ethereal melodies and shoegaze textures cascaded like waves over the captivated audience.
Each song felt like a journey, with moments of intensity balanced by introspective calm. The band's genre-defying approach took listeners down winding paths—some were as direct and purposeful as a motorway, while others meandered like scenic country lanes, delivering surprises at every turn.
Highlights of the set included 2021’s Motionless, a track as fluid and dynamic as its name might suggest, and The Dreamer, which was dedicated to Aubrey’s younger sister, who starred in its accompanying video. The show concluded with Sister from their album This House, a fitting end to an evening that felt like a shared story rather than a simple performance. No encore was needed—the sense of completion was obvious.
A near-full house at The Phoenix proved that Pale Blue Eyes have cultivated not only a fanbase but a family. Throughout the night, Matt expressed heartfelt gratitude to the audience, reinforcing the bond between the band and their listeners. Exeter welcomed them back with open arms, ensuring their journey through New Place will be remembered long after the final notes faded.
Saturday night was proof that creativity is thriving in the local music scene, a reminder that live music remains as vital and electrifying as ever. From Silk Cuts’ jangly indie charisma to Pale Blue Eyes’ polished yet adventurous sound, Exeter Phoenix was the perfect venue for a night celebrating the art of storytelling through music.
Words & Pics by Steve Muscutt
