Pixie Lott @ Manchester Apollo 18th Dec 2010

Ardwick in Manchester is considered one of the city's most deprived areas these days, a shame really since it used to be renowned for being a pleasant and wealthy suburb of Manchester. It had become heavily industrialised, and when its industries later fell into decline then so did Ardwick itself. Its not all doom and gloom though because there is a great part of Ardwick and it sits on Ardwick Green. The place i'm talking about is of course the O2 Manchester Apollo, arguably the best live music venue in Manchester, maybe even the UK and probably why young pop princess Pixie Lott has decided to finish off her first UK headline tour 'The Crazy Cats Tour' in style at this special venue.

The venue is buzzing with excitement and tonights show (capacity of 2,693) is completely sold out which isn't really a surprise considering Miss Lott has had 2 Number One singles, five consecutive Top 20 singles, and has had her debut album 'Turn It Up' certified double platinum after spending almost an entire year in the charts. Oh yeah and she has also starred in two films and has won two MTV Europe Music awards all before the age of 20.

Her tour all 19 shows have spanned the UK taking in virtually every major city from Glasgow to Plymouth and in total she will have played to over 40,000 people.

 



She starts her live show lying in bed and the first chords from her number one single 'Mama Do' ring out, dressed in PJ's she jumps from the bed and around the stage with a point to prove. Pixie is supported by a full band and dancers and from the word go the crowd and her are loving every minute of it. Lott is often credited for her live performances and style and this is evident tonight and her singing and stage presence is spot on. From 'Mama Do' she strips down into something a little more revealing and launchs into 'Doing Fine' and then top 20 single 'Gravity'. All in all Pixie does 19 songs, 5 of them covers including Kings Of Leon - 'Use Somebody' and Gladys Knight & the Pips number one hit - 'Midnight Train to Georgia'. She finishes off her encore with Number one single 'Boys & Girls' which the crowd loved along with every other song she had performed.

 

To be honest things for Pixie Lott at the moment are very good and with another UK tour being planned for 2011 the only way is up for this young girl from Bromley, Kent. If she keeps playing shows like she did at the Apollo it wont be long till shes filling the biggest venues not just in Manchester but all over the UK and Europe.

© 2010 Manchester Live. Words and Photo's by Chris Balmer. 

Tek One @ Manchester Roadhouse

The Roadhouse is situated on the outskirts of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, an area thriving with both cultural and musical innovation. It’s in this area that bands such as ‘The Arctic Monkeys’, ‘Muse’ and current chart favourites ‘Kings Of Leon’ have slogged it out, performing to crowds of sometimes no more than a hundred people, in their attempts to live the musical dream. Tonight is the turn of dubstep duo ‘Tek One’, who with their eclectic sampling abilities and live drum sets, have gradually been making waves amongst ravers and rockers alike.

Dubstep has tightened its stranglehold over the music industry in 2010, and it’s largely because of the versatility with which it can be produced. Tek One exemplify this with maximum skill and intensity, tossing out samples from emerging pop-star Eliza Doolittle, and Yorkshire’s metal-core band ‘Bring Me The Horizon’. Pretty much the chalk and cheese of the musical world!

                                                                                                                                                                    

       

It’s emo outfit ‘Lights Go Blue’ who breathe the first signs of life into the two hundred or so fans who’ve semi-packed out the venue, with their high tempo synthesizers getting the crowd moving. A full house it is not, but this is more than compensated for by the intensity which can be felt spreading across the dark and dingy room. Admittedly the support act stink of ‘Enter Shikari’s’ leftovers, but their music is easily digestible for the young audience, and doesn’t tread on the toes of tonight’s headliners.

Local MC Tonn Piper is the man taking care of the evening’s proceedings, which he tackles with aplomb. Fraternising with an audience so engaged in the atmosphere, Piper could have had them singing nursery rhymes if he’d really wanted. Thankfully though he didn’t, and instead he went about introducing Tek One, to which the crowd responded ecstatically. DJ and Producer Howard Newman is the brains of the outfit, and having parted ways with previous drummer Felix only weeks before the tour began, the role of percussionist has been bestowed upon newby Bo Morgan.

Between the two of them, there is an intensity generated which is as gripping to listen to as it is to watch. Newman rarely stops moving as he mixes a brilliant blend of genres into a set of heavy dubstep, all of which is well received by a frantic audience of adolescents. So strong is Newman’s desire to be raving with his audience, he ditches the headphones on more than one occasion to dive head first into the crowd. Even Piper is in disbelief as he continues to reel off skits and lyrics from various sampled tracks as well as his own catalogue of freestyles.

Morgan meanwhile is left hammering his drum kit in a robotic fashion reminiscent of Stephen Morris (Joy Division) and Dave Hyde (The Futureheads), the difference being that neither of the aforementioned drummers ever attempted live drum & bass loops. It’s a feat which appears mighty complicated, however upon asking Morgan after the show, he quite casually shrugs as if to say “all in a days work.”                

Shortly after finishing their set, Piper has the words ‘Tek One’ resounding around the venue. The duo’s early slot means that the crowd aren’t even nearly content yet, and so it’s justified that the pair reappear from backstage to give their doting fans one more dose of their heavy sound. Probably the best song of the night, Newman delivers ‘Original Nuttah’, an exclusive Shy FX track which raises the roof. The drummer from Lights Go Blue appears from the side of the stage to fearlessly fling himself into the audience, where he joins several pumped up fans, all of whom are repeating the words ‘Manchester you what, you what!?’ back to Piper, who looks genuinely stunned by the energy which the audience have provided.

Tek One hail from Croydon, or “Croydub,” as they refer to it, and are currently on a headline tour of the UK. It’s difficult to determine whether or not you can expect to see bigger things from the pair, as there are so many DJ’s practicing the art of dubstep in contemporary music. From the bedroom of an aspiring teenager to the ‘Top 10’ of the UK singles chart, dubstep as a collective is rampantly bulldozing its way into contention as the most popular genre of music in the country right now. 

There is a theory that every 7 years the constitution of chart music shifts, and a different genre evolves and dominates the airwaves. Indie had its day in the early 2000’s courtesy of mega-bands like Coldplay and Snow Patrol, and R ‘n’ B seems to be the current trend, but thanks to the likes of Tek One, it seems that dubstep will almost certainly be the next genre to take its turn in the spotlight.

 

© 2010 Manchester Live. Words by Chris Tancock. Photo's by Chris Balmer 

Mystery Jets @ The Manchester Cathedral

Better known for its sermons than for its crowd-surfers, Manchester Cathedral is one of the city’s more unconventional music venues, and as one might expect upon entering a Cathedral on a rainy autumn evening, an eerie, gothic interior is looming.

Beyond the shadows however are tonight’s support act ‘Egyptian Hip-Hop’, who make light work of warming up the crowd, largely thanks to the fact that they’re local lads. Furthermore, they are one of several bands currently dissolving the ‘Oasis’ fuelled aftertaste of Manchester made music into yesteryear.

Sporting clothes you could only hope to find in a charity shop, the only thing more retro than the bands aesthetic is their sound, and despite singer Alex Hewett slating his own performance due to illness, the crowd digested the layers of shimmering, resurgent, synthesizer and funky bass riffs with arms aloft.

The band themselves perform almost statically, which is ironic given that their 45 minute slot has almost everyone in the audience dancing joyously. Man flu aside, the band prove to be a fitting support act for tonight’s headliners, and you can expect to hear more from the promising young four-piece in the coming months.

 

If ‘Egyptian Hip Hop’ didn’t quite succeed in providing the ultimate contrast to the evening’s most sacred environment, ‘The Mystery Jets’ certainly did. Emerging through smoke and colourful strobe lighting, the bands entry sent the crowd into raptures. The Cathedral had come alive in a subversive and unnatural wave of excitement.

The band, clad in floral shirts and sockless pumps, wasted no time getting started. Blaine Harrison, who has suffered from ‘spina bifida’ since birth, was first to appear. With his unique hairstyle and his crutches at hand, he took up his usual position sat at the music box, while the other three members of the band soaked up the intensifying atmosphere.

 

A barrage of distortion was the first noise to be heard, before Harrison proceeded to belt out the first four lines from ‘Alice Springs’, the band’s opening track from their third album Serotonin. It was the first night of their UK tour, and there was an eagerness and energy amongst the band, with guitarist William Rees sporting a smile that stretched from one side of the Cathedral to the other.

Fan favourites ‘Half in Love with Elizabeth’ and ‘Young Love’ were to follow, as the band delivered their brand of retro-pop with impeccable accuracy. They choose not to play tracks from their more progressive debut album Making Dens, labeling it a “scrapbook” of ideas more than anything else, but an audience compiled mainly of teenagers and the young at heart don’t seem to mind.

 

Reeling off a set list containing tracks from their latest album and 2008’s Twenty One, both of which were nurtured by legendary producer Erol Alkan, TMJ deliver a master class in performing live pop music. Harrison’s tender wailing aside, the choir-like backing vocals provided by Rees and bassist Kai Fish are brilliant; giving each song that extra layer of cheesy but endearing warmth.

Alternating between upbeat synth melodies and sorrowful ballads about lost lovers, the quartet from Eel Pie Island strolled their way towards the end of the set, keeping everyone waiting for their biggest hit to date, ‘Two Doors Down’, which inevitably got the response of the night.

 

With Kapil Trevedi’s unmistakable drum loop still reverberating around the Cathedral, the band disappeared like Christ himself, before a brief resurrection in the form of an encore, which contained the beautiful and somber track ‘Flakes’, previous single ‘Dreaming of Another World’ and the final track from Serotonin, ‘Lorna Doone’.

In the four years that have passed since they released their first album, the musical voyage of The Mystery Jets has been directed radically away from their progressive roots. While this may have drawn criticism from fans of Making Dens, what has ensued since 2006 is the crafting of a cult following of fans who have helped propel the band to the level of underground success which their often bubbly tunes deserve.

 

With commercial success still to conquer, its memorable nights like this one which highlight why The Mystery Jets have the potential to go far as a group. The obvious pleasure which performing gives the band is just one of many reasons why they are worth catching on the gig circuit. Few bands can mix things up so well, interchanging between cute love songs and catchy anthems while an audience listen intently, and even fewer can turn a place of worship into a dance floor for the youth of Manchester to express their adoration from one of Britain’s most up and coming musical prospects.

 

Catch The Mystery Jets live at Manchester Academy as part of XFM’s Winter Wonderland 2010. Performing on Wednesday 8^th December, the lineup also includes Bombay Bicycle Club, The Wombats, local lads Everything Everything and The Manic Street Preachers. Visit www.xfm.co.uk/ for more details.

© 2010 Manchester Live. Words by Chris Tancock. Photos by Chris Balmer. 

Alexisonfire @ Manchester Academy 2 (no photos)

As the house lights of the Manchester Academy 2 dimmed, the stage filled with dry ice. The epic instrumental intro track rang its last note, the band then emerged on stage. The crowed erupted into a passionate hell cry of anticipation and pure rock fury. Lead by Wade McNeil (Vocals and Guitar) followed by Jordan ‘Ratbeard’ Hastings (Drums), Chris Steele (Bass) and Dallas Green (Vocals and Guitar), with their backs to the crowd Chris Steele, sporting his Movember moustache, raised is hand conducting the other members into the extended version of Young Cardinals, the first single of their latest album Old Crows/ Young Cardinals. Before the last stomping drum beats and guitar chords filled the room, George Petit (Vocals) joined the band on stage to break in to song and feed the crowds aching appetite.

George’s rough and vicious new vocal style shakes the demons loose in the room, the chorus sang by Dallas, projected back towards stage by hundreds of tenacious fans. The room was bouncing and everybody was ready to have a good time.

The band must have felt it too playing five songs back to back, the crowd sang and felt every word and note.  Taking a well deserved rest and engaging the crowd needing a pause as much as the band by this point. Hitting hard once again with Accept Crime another of track of their newest album, the crowd once again joined in from the off, belting back “Hey, There’s No Police”. The crowd then split in to two one side singing “There’s No Police” lead by George and Wade and the other “Between Two Beating Hearts” orchestrated by Chris and Dallas. A cheeky yet teeth gritting smile was exchanged between George and Wade, a “Fuck Yeah” if you will.

Playing a varied mixture of tracks from their Watch Out!, Crisis and Old Crows/ Young Cardinals albums, consisting of crowd favourites such as ‘Rough Hands’, ‘We Are The Sound’ and ‘This Could Be Anywhere In The World’. Taking time to plug their new post punk homage Dog’s Blood Ep, before the opening riff of the title track, tears through the silence, like a rabid canine foaming at the mouth. Alexisonfire’s live style is seconded to none, playing with ferocity and a unspoken kinship only found through a love of what they do and years on the road together. Deviating from the recorded format of the songs only slightly but enough to add to a heavier, more aggressive, atmospheric realm where they are kings in their own right.

The band left the stage leaving their guitars screeching on a reverb loop. The crowed began to chant “Alexis”, stomping their feet, with a thunderous raw the band headed back on stage. George controlled the masses with his masculine and powerful aura. “You know how this goes, we have two more for you”. The band broke into ‘The Northern’ based on the old Gospel record ‘Roll Jordan Roll’, the bands homage to Blues and the roots of Rock and Roll music. Jordan lead the way with a soulful drum roll and crashing cymbals. The crowd once more sang along with Dallas, raising their hands to the roof “Hallelujah, Hallelujah”, as George put his voice box through it’s paces, screaming at the crowd feeding of their energy and giving it back ten fold. The band held the last chord letting it ring though the room, before riff of ‘Accidence’ emerged, the crowd with their last change to show the band what their made of, once more began to bounce and scream at the band, “Whoa, Whoa, Whoa”. George jumped off stage climbing the barrier, screaming in to his microphone as he dove into the hoard of devoted fans, making it back on stage from the big finish at the end of the song and gig.

Alexisonfire were simply put amazing. Creating a connection with every individual in the room, even if separate by a barrier and a stage. Delivering a show full of fire and raw energy,  the chemistry on stage between and from the band, mixed with that of the crowds, it is something of a potent mixture. Culminating in a heart stopping delivery by the band and a atmosphere that can only be described as breath taking. The crowd at the Academy 2 should also be saluted for their contributions and its monstrous thirsted for the band.
The diversity between the three vocal styles (George, Dallas and Wade) gives the songs a richness and dimension not found anywhere else, their ‘tightness’ as a band has to also be highlighted. Playing with such passion and high level of ability makes it hard for them to falter as a band live or whilst recording. The band has a large following of loyal fans old and new and this another ‘Sold Out’ concert on their tour proves this, sealing a fan base not only in Europe but Australia and their homeland Canada.

The band are on their way to London to record sessions for the BBC and XFM, before heading back up to Glasgow ABC (9th November) to continue their tour then ending it in Nottingham Rock City (12th November).
 
© 2010 Manchester Live. Words by Scott G Robertson.

One Night Only @ Manchester Club Academy

No review for this one, just some shots of One Night Only in Manchester as part of there UK headline tour to promote their new self titled album. Many people will know this band from there first album 'Started a Fire' with chart hits like 'Just for Tonight' and 'You & Me'.

Keep checking back, we have a lot of exciting reviews and photos of gig's coming up! Follow us and spread the word! If you love live music, love Manchester Live ;)

© 2010 Manchester Live. Word and Photo's by Chris Balmer.

Tokyo Police Club @ Manchester Ruby Lounge

Some shots from the recent Tokyo Police Club gig at the Ruby Lounge.

One of Canadas finest new bands played an energetic show to a packed Ruby Lounge crowd playing songs from 'A Lesson In Crime', 'Elephant Shell' and there recent album 'The Champ'.

©2010 Manchester Live. Words & Photos by Chris Balmer.

The Boxer Rebellion @ Manchester FAC251 19th Oct 2010

Slap bang in the middle of an extensive tour spanning from Los Angeles to Lille, ‘The Boxer Rebellion’ brought their blend of epic, intense and ambient rock music to Manchester’s ‘Factory 251’. The iconic but minute venue allows for an intimate show, which played massively into the hands of front-man Nathan Nicholson and the rest of the band.

                                                                

 Still soaking up the vast success of their second album, 2009’s ‘Union’, the band were alive with energy from the word go, performing a mixture of songs from both of their records, as well as a new track ‘Memo’, and the recent release ‘If You Run’, which featured in September’s blockbuster film ‘Going The Distance’.

It was the echoing riff of ‘These Walls Are Thin’ which opened the bands set, shortly followed by the intense anthem ‘Evacuate’, to which the crowd responded in an ecstatic manner. Observing each of the band members, its obvious how much focus and passion is incorporated into their music, from the layered, soaring guitars to the sharp, crisp loops resounding from Piers Hewitt’s drum kit. Perfectly rehearsed and in tune with one another, the London based four-piece performed with a cohesion that very few bands succeed in mastering.

                                                                

The brilliant thing about ‘The Boxer Rebellion’ is the balance that they’ve struck between gripping songs like ‘Evacuate’ and ‘Forces’, and more melancholic tracks like ‘Soviets’ and ‘Semi-Automatic’. Nicholson has the ability to produce a melodic wail of desperation and power, reminiscent of ‘The Cooper Temple Clause’ in their early days, which can instantly transcend into an emotional and flawless falsetto. What’s more is that this versatility is perfectly portrayed on stage, making for a brilliant live show.

The stage at Factory is at the same level as the rest of the venue, and while this may not suit those who are unfortunate enough to be at the back of the room, it appeared to suit TBR just fine, as they engaged with the audience in a humble and appreciative manner from start to finish. Nicholson even climbed into the crowd during the bands final song ‘Watermelon’, a vintage track which pleased the fans immensely.

The band produced a performance full of emotion and throttle, which was further intensified by the size of the venue. It’s difficult to imagine there will be too many opportunities left to catch ‘The Boxer Rebellion’ performing at venues with such a personal feel to them. If the bands epic sound propels them to anywhere near the level of popularity they deserve, then they are stadium bound for sure.

                               Tanners & Balmer 2nd and 3rd from left w/ TBR

©2010 Manchester Live. Words by Chris Tancock. Photos by Chris Balmer.