REVIEW: MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA AT BRISTOL 02 ACADEMY (02/10/11)
As the Bristol O2 academy slowly filled up with fans, and having not listened to their latest album, I lead myself to believe that I was going to come away disappointed and hungry for a song that I knew. I’m glad I can say I was wrong. Opening with ‘Deer’ from their new album, all my high hopes for Manchester Orchestra were back, and they were nothing less than awesome. They played a very well choreographed set with the perfect mix of favourites from their two previous albums, ‘I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child’ and ‘Mean Everything To Nothing’, and their current album, ‘Simple Math’. This being the first UK tour since 2007 for the band, they seemed genuinely touched by the massive turn out. The gig was originally booked for Bristol’s Thekla, but due to the ticket demand it was moved to the O2 academy. This was a shame as the atmosphere this band brings would of suited the first venue well, but only a fraction of the crowd would of been able to enjoy it.
I found my self smiling through the whole set, and It seemed the rest of the crowd felt the same. Andy hit every note with perfection, as did the band. Of course it isn’t just brilliant performance and sound that makes a good gig; you also need stage presence and charisma. This is something Andy Hull, lead vocalist, songwriter and rhythm guitarist, had plenty of. Ever so modestly, Andy tells the punters “6 years on and we still don’t know how to talk onstage” followed by “Welcome to awkward camp, we are Manchester Orchestra”. He also treated us to a glorious burp in the very quiet, intense break down on ‘Shake It Out’.
By the end of the set, the whole band looked as if they had been caught in torrential rain. Sweat poured from Andy’s beard and steam rose steadily from the stage. The first song of the encore was ’50 Cent’, a song about the famous rapper, much more in keeping with Flight of the Conchords than your usual indie rock outfit. Bands with a sense of humor are just that bit more enjoyable to watch in my opinion, and having seen this little comedy gem on YouTube, I was impressed and entertained that I got to see it performed live. ‘Where Have You Been’ from the first album ended the set off well. I congratulate Manchester Orchestra for not trying to over advertise their new album, and playing a lot of old stuff for the old, faithful fans. They certainly know how to keep a crowd happy and are most definitely worth seeing live.
Words: Phoebe Lloyd
Photos: Laura Palmer
