Manchester Orchestra - O2 Academy, Bristol - 2nd October 2011 (Live Review)
Friday, 14 October 2011
Written by Matthew Williamson
Manchester Orchestra, one of the world’s most misleading band names. Tell somebody you’re going to see the quintet from Atlanta, Georgia, USA and you’ll no doubt be quizzical stares as to why you’re into such a thing. Only when you’ve taken a listen do you appreciate the true nature of what Manchester Orchestra actually are. Tonight hundreds of people no doubt had to explain to friends and family that they weren’t underdressed for such an occasion, and that, in fact, the occasion is slightly less grand than they realise. On the opening date of their UK tour they’re at the O2 Academy in Bristol.
Support act, The Xcerts, waste no time in warming up the crowd. Their constantly growing stature is a testament as much to their work ethic, having already supported Taking Back Sunday and Young Guns within just over a month, as to the stunning tracks that span the trio’s two albums. Warm applause greets them at the end of every song, along with the occasional whistle or whoop.
In this day and age it’s odd to only have a single support, but tonight’s one of those rare occasions, Andy Hull, followed by the rest of the Orchestra, trots on stage. Opening with 'Deer' from new album, 'Simple Math', which is a beautiful layered ballad. Cries ring out at as Hull sings "Dear everybody who has paid to see my band, it’s still confusing, I’ll never understand.” There’s a certain unity amongst all the bodies that’s clearly evident.
Just a few songs into the set and it’s evident there’s something wrong, Hull keeps going over to the side of the stage to complain at the tech, luckily the problem, which turns out to be one with Hull’s amp, is fixed asap, whilst the band talk awkwardly to those gathered. “We’ve been a band for ages and still don’t know how to talk to a crowd” Hull confesses.
It’s not really an issue though as they run through songs spanning all three albums, from ‘Wolves at Night’, the opening track on ‘I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child’ to ‘Simple Math’ taken off the album named after it. The upbeat ‘Shake It Out’ is a particular highlight. The set closes with a cover of Willie Nelson’s ‘Turn Out The Lights’ before the band come back for a final 3 songs, ending with the epic ‘Where Have You Been?’
If tonight’s anything to go on then Manchester Orchestra are at the top of their game and they deserve absolutely everything that comes their way, maybe they should practice the chatter though.
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