Live Review

Manchester Orchestra – Manchester Academy 3

• 19th Jul 2009

Indie rock, blues Punk, plain alternative or just too out there to pigeon hole? This question about the misfits from Atlanta, Georgia who confusingly go by the name of Manchester Orchestra, is in need of an answer tonight.

Glancing around the basic, but intimate and comforting venue, no clear cut clues are to be found by gazing upon the largely non-descript, but musically knowledgeable looking crowd. Neither is too much given away from this ranging outfit’s first official album, ‘I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child’ and the grimier, latest full length delve ‘Mean Everything To Nothing’.

They seem comfortably apathetic when settling into a dingy big blues groove, ‘My Friend Marcus’. The sturdy contribution of drummer Jeremiah Edmund, bears out the value of strong, well time percussion to an act that likes to change impact in the other aspects of their musicianship.

The opening question is one that a large section of the crowd seems to be asking, as often long and pensive looks are directed at the stage. Every band that gets locked in the battle for the necessary food that is publicity in the music industry needs an enigma. Lead man, Andy Hull, who, whilst having a larger than life look and the outlandish facial hair of a 1960’s tramp, is quite modest and unassuming throughout. He bursts into life when a bit of vocal energy and gusto is needed, ‘In My Teeth’. He fits the bill quite neatly, thank you.

Given the fact that the smoking ban started back when the Aussies had a semi-decent cricket team and Katie Price was relatively bearable, it is amazing how Manchester Orchestra manages, at times, to make you feel like you’re in a nicotine fumed UK bar in the late 60s.

The sound is given a slightly surprising British blues rock vibe that lingers like smoke in a live setting and, it highlights the lyrics that unveil aspects of lower life in a non-judgemental manner. This adds to the growing, endearing nature of a hardworking band. It’s intrigue and nostalgia, as much as anything that will draw you back to the lure of this sincere, occasionally humble and very genuine outfit.