Blossoms on the "playfulness" of album six as they reflect on 10 years of their debut: "Resting on our laurels was never on the agenda"

You know when you're in the midst of a whirlwind, and all the memories start flooding back? That's exactly what I'm getting from Blossoms' frontman Tom Ogden, as he reflects on 10 years since their self-titled debut album dropped. The band is now gearing up to release their sixth album, "Songs From The Wedding Cake", but on August 5, they took a moment to celebrate the milestone with a special gig at Manchester's Deaf Institute.

The Deaf Institute, with its 260-capacity, has hosted Blossoms before, but this show was a first since 2014. It was a night to remember, with the band playing their debut album from start to finish, alongside some fan favourites and a sneak peek into their upcoming album. The show was recorded and will be released as a live album, "Live At The Deaf Institute". This intimate setting allowed the band to reconnect with their roots and bring out the magic that made them who they are today.

Ogden highlighted the importance of these smaller, more intimate shows, saying, "It's nice to do these moments that feel more grounded, in a way." He shared a lovely story about a fan, Joe, who they had lost touch with as the band grew in popularity. Joe, who had been a fan since the early days, reached out to the band after the show, expressing how much it meant to him to see them in a venue like the Deaf Institute again. Ogden mentioned that they had even given out little carnations to the audience in 2014, courtesy of Charlie Salt's aunt, who was a florist. It's these little moments that remind us of the connection between the band and their fans.

The buzz outside the venue was palpable, with fans waiting for spare tickets and even spotting Thom Rylance from The Lottery Winners in the audience. As the band took the stage, it was clear that this was a night to remember. They started with "Charlemagne", a track that usually closes their shows, but this time it was the opening track on their debut album. The energy was electric, with fans singing along to every word.

As Blossoms continue their journey, they're not resting on their laurels. With their sixth album on the horizon, they're pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds. Ogden's words echo through the music industry: "Resting on our laurels was never on the agenda." It's clear that Blossoms are here to stay, and with their dedication to their craft and their fans, they'll continue to create music that resonates with us all.

As the dust settles on this milestone, one thing is clear: Blossoms are not just a band, they're a movement. They're evidence of the power of music to bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime. With their upcoming album, "Songs From The Wedding Cake", I for one can't wait to see what they have in store for us.