Balancing Act

Balancing Act were formed by Kai Roberts (vocals) and Jackson Couzens (guitar) during the pandemic after becoming creatively disillusioned with their local music scene in Manchester.

This frustration not only birthed Balancing Act, but pushed the pair south, quickly moving to London and making the first few songs that would eventually build the band’s sound. A weekend visit from bassist David Carpenter quickly turned into something permanent. The final piece of the puzzle came in the form of drummer Pat Hanbury, the younger brother of a friend. 

The band quickly hit their stride, with sold out shows at venues like London’s Lower Third – quickly upgrading to a sold out show at The Garage – and Manchester’s YES Basement. This energy translated abroad, with sold out shows and a strong following in Paris and Amsterdam.

Their intense and high-energy performances soon earned a reputation for turning venues into sweatboxes. The live success and a string of well-received singles propelled the band to the front of the ones to watch lists, with features on Radio 1’s Future Artists as the ‘Next Wave’, landing a spot in Dork Magazine’s Hype List, and even being named “the new generation’s favourite band” by Jack Saunders.

Now, with their debut album rolling out in two chapters, Balancing Act are entering their most ambitious era yet. Part 1 of Who’ve You Come As? is already out – a darkly cinematic blend of gothic indie, romantic melancholy, and theatrical, Tim Burton-esque surrealism. Years of experimentation culminate in a sound that’s both intimate and stadium-ready: hook-driven, emotive, and irresistibly atmospheric. Its closing track The Breaks captures the album’s full power, a soaring anthem of love and loss where brooding tones crash into massive sing-along energy.

Part 2 is due for release March 2026, and it’s set to push the band into bold new territory and mark a significant shift in their sonic world. Bigger ideas, bolder sounds, and a clearer sense of who they are.

Age restriction: 14+ / U16s accompanied by an adult

Get 20% off your food bill when attending any ticketed event at the Hare & Hounds! Offer only valid for the day of the event - excludes Sunday roasts.