MUSIC BLOG: SEA GIRLS – LIMELIGHT REVIEW

By Emma Pope

12/10/2024

There are dozens of ways to spend a Saturday evening, especially in a city as lively as

Belfast; choosing to spend it in Limelight is therefore a very deliberate choice. Several

hundred people made that decision when they packed in for the final night of Sea Girls’

Midnight Butterflies tour. The indie rock quartet have spent the past five weeks travelling

across Europe and the UK, celebrating their third album – ending in the best place of all,

Belfast.

Showcasing local talent, The Florentinas warmed the crowd up with an excellent set ahead

of the main event. The show was originally scheduled to take place in March, waiting an

additional eight months left the crowd full of anticipation which became explosive energy the

minute the band emerged. Opening with title track, ‘Midnight Butterflies’ the band had their

audience bouncing from the beginning, a testament to their catchy lyricism and performing

power. Frontman and guitarist Henry Camamile called out “Belfast Sing!” midway through

the energetic ‘Call Me Out’, and sing the crowd did, more than willing to cheer on solos from

from Rory Young (lead guitar) and Andrew Dawson (bass). Both of whom have their own

fantastic stage presence. The band was completed by the backing of drummer Oli Khan

who, although less noticeable, maintained his energy throughout.

The consistent chants of “Sea Girls” between songs showcased how much the crowd adored the

performance. Things slowed down as most of the band left the stage, leaving their frontman to perform

tender ‘Hometown’ on his own - a song “about people I [Camamile] knew growing up that

aren’t around anymore”. The band aren’t afraid to tackle difficult themes; growing up, anxiety

and substance abuse amongst others but ultimately capture the idea of living in the moment

and a desire to experience everything in life to its fullest. Like the butterflies after whom the

album is named, we are only here for a short while and ought to make the most of it.

Attending shows like this one is certainly one way to do that, as the energy was quickly

bought back up with tracks such as ‘Violet’ and ‘Sick’. The majority of the latter was

performed with Camamile – dressed in a full suit – balancing on top of the barricade, one

hand clutching a fan’s hand and the other the microphone which he frequently directed at the

crowd as they screamed the lyrics back.

“This is where you jump” accompanied the chorus of ‘Too Much Fun’ – in the eyes of the

elated crowd there was no such thing as too much. They danced and formed circle pits,

crashing into one another without a care – lost in the moment and filled with seemingly

endless energy. Unsatisfied with the end, “Ole, Ole, Ole” was the chant of choice to demand

the band return for an encore. A cover of of Shaboozey’s ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ was followed

by ‘Damage Done’, sung by Camamile from the middle of the crowd as he joined them in

jumping up and down. ‘All I Want To Hear You Say’ acted as the true final send-off, a

triumphant end to the show.

Outside fans gathered by the stage door hoping to catch a glimpse of the band. Overhearing

an unusual accent, I asked someone where they were from, ‘Germany’ they responded –

Sea Girls then are a band worth getting on a plane for. Behind the Germans two girls in

merchandise hoodies empathically cried about the tour’s end – the love and adoration for the

band is clear. As the band spread their wings and continue to grow, we can only hope they

choose to land in Belfast again.