Manchester Orchestra at The Anson Rooms in Bristol
Posted on: 2014-09-28
Our rating:
Manchester Orchestra appeared earlier than expected, cracking right on in order to cram as many songs as possible. Their newest album, Cope, has been described as ?unrelenting and unapologetic? and that's the only way to sum up last night's concert.
One of the University of Bristol’s excellent venues, the Anson Rooms, was the setting for last night’s incredible performance from three interwoven bands - Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band, Manchester Orchestra, and Bad Books - a mixture of the two.
This clever idea presented the audience with a kind of indie pick-n-mix, holding a similar sound of continued depth and emotion throughout the 4 or so hours of the gig. The hybrid Bad Books, which included members from both Manchester Orchestra and the Goddamn Band, were first onstage. Although I have long been a fan of Bad Books, I wasn’t sure how many audience members would be aware of their material, certainly after Manchester Orchestra’s individual success seem to have overshadowed the group a little. However, the crowd gave their own little performance of enthusiasm and head banging, which added to the overall light-hearted atmosphere. Bad Books have a somewhat dainty repertoire, just 21 songs across two albums and a single, which means each song has some protective perfection about it. There are no fillers with this band, each song - and poem within – holds a different story, a different emotion, a whole different style of story-telling ranging from the brutally honest to the bitterly humorous. Forest Whittaker got a playthrough, the band’s only single to date, and possibly one of their best examples of creative storytelling masking a touchingly honest message. The combination of Andy Hull and Kevin Devine’s voices works on so many levels.
Kevin then came back with his Goddamn Band and gave his third performance in Bristol this year. For the rest of the band however, this was their second time ever playing in the UK, and the energy and passion displayed by each member will have certainly converted those ignorant to the band’s work. I reviewed Kevin’s previous show at the Louisiana - click here - and my love for his work may perhaps lead me into bias, but once again I can safely say that I was completely blown away. Several songs from Bulldozer and Bubblegum, the two new albums, were played including the title tracks from both, along with the haunting epic Brothers Blood which sounded absolutely phenomenal with the backing of the band. The build up of the song had many people watching open-mouthed, nodding their heads and bracing themselves for the massive wall of sound that crashes down toward the end. The sheer excitement and hyperactivity from Kevin was charming in itself – I have never seen anybody jump about on stage quite as much as that and still play like their life depended on it. An honestly incredible performance from an underrated but mind-blowing example of American indie songwriting.
Manchester Orchestra appeared earlier than expected, cracking right on in order to cram as many songs into the night as possible. Their newest album, Cope, has been described as “unrelenting and unapologetic” and that is the ONLY way to sum up last night’s performance. The band swept onstage and launched into their set, playing songs from all across their career including Simple Math, I’ve Got Friends, Shake It Out and Top Notch. The sound and atmosphere were incredible, Cope has really brought Manchester Orchestra to the alternative masses and their highly-deserved recognition is finally arriving. The room was full of smiling, crying, singing people, eyes closed and hands clasped. Songs like Pensacola hardly needed Andy’s effort, with the crowd shouting back at him the familiar “Alcohol, dirty malls, Pensacola, Florida bars!” at lung-tearing volume. It was plain to see that the night had turned out some real fans, and people who have been deeply affected by the music of Manchester Orchestra. The night was exhausting, loud and beautiful – this is not a band I could ever grow tired of seeing live.
Credit is due to certain band members, playing three sets in one night must have been a killer, and Kevin’s hilarious way of introducing these hardworking individuals via the medium of improvised song was inspired.
Towards the end of the final set, Kevin joined Andy once again for a couple more heart-rending songs, and the duo were ever friendly during and after the show. Andy’s stories about punishing fan girls shouting at him for the duration of a gig, his questionable dream encounter with John Candy the night before his death, and Kevin’s elaborate stories borne from a slip of the tongue gave that necessary vibe of oneness between band and audience. When I saw Manchester Orchestra at The Fleece in April (click here for review) they played a similar set to a far smaller audience, but none of the intimacy was lost on the larger crowd of last night. This is something I cannot help but admire in a band, as an emotional connection formed through music can turn a little stale if the band are ultimately unreachable.
Last night’s gig was Top Notch (a cheap gag, I know) and every single song was executed with the kind of perfection, honesty and clarity that you would expect from a band with nothing to give but their hearts. This has to be one of the most emotional gigs I have ever been to and I would happily see all three bands a hundred more times before I was finished.
5/5
Reviewed and images by Miri Teixeira for 365Bristol
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Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
