Live Review

Bauer – Academy 3, Manchester

• 29th Jan 2008

SA promotions have a proud tradition for precision, professionalism, and punctuality; the kind that German train operators would be happy to boast about. Sadly on this occasion there was something slightly awry. Finally the doors opened and expecting proceedings to be swiftly undertaken the crowd were greeted by Highroller…still sound checking! Once underway their unobtrusive Indie sound that is clearly born out of Mancunia was delivered with a bright and brave performance. They came across well despite the unfortunate and uninvited accompaniment of noises normally associated to famous rice based breakfast cereals.

Next up were the deep and intense Tendermachine. You may have to “pin the tail on the genre” but Tendermachine evoke an interesting and enthralling atmospheric sound, pierced by the siren vocals of the striking Poppy Roberts. Again this was a set that started with a sound check now characteristic of the fumbling sound engineer, who once again joined the performing band with her addition of pops, crackles and feedback.

During Tendermachine’s set it became apparent that, other than the engineer’s creation, another buzz was filling the room. Ready for the next act the venue had bulked with folk emblazoned with a twinkling eyed bird set symmetrically in a moon and the prominent text – Twilight Robin. Although a single release for headliners Bauer it was evident that Twilight Robin have fallen into the fancy of Manchester music fans. Energetic and emphatic their punchy hooks and catchy lines lifted the audience and sucked us into their pounding sledgehammer melodies. They manage to perfectly fuse angelic harmonies with a stomping onslaught of dramatic sound, delicately punctuated by epic synth and guitar. Like the irritation and pain of that unsqueezable zit that just stays under the surface, unfortunately the engineer’s shortcomings intruded yet another act. However, even with their set being cut short and at one point losing their keys altogether, the reply to Twilight Robin’s climaxing finale was as rapturous as their performance.

Remembering that this night was to promote the single release of Bauer on Naz Recordings the foursome took the stage. Self dubbed as “Manchester MELODIQUETRONICA” Greg Matthews’ gloriously pleasant voice slips in gracefully with Bauer’s well oiled Indie pop. “Lovely” is a great word to describe their sound although it lacks impact and punch, Bauer are as memorable as a school boy’s packed lunch. In all, the acts managed to make the most of the sound engineer’s single handed attempt at the events demolition. If you get the chance catch Twilight Robin the next time you can while their tickets still cost less than £5.