A hot and humid night on the Manchester/Salford border saw over 200 folk crammed into the attic at Blueprint studios for this one. The skinhead presence brought a new take on ‘retro’, and also made for some eclectic sounds from the decks in between a showing of a short film of the making of JOHN HERRING’S debut long-player ‘Tales From A Northern City’ and an excellent support set from ANDY NEEDHAM and his new band.
Herring wandered on with the same collaborators that feature on the album itself as the celebrations proper began, promptly kicking things off with the record’s opener ‘City Boy’ – whether as part of a live set live set or as first on the album, it’s a fucking good place to start – a song which echoes, captures and reflects the spirit of the whole project perfectly. Strike one! Herring & co. delivered with confidence to spare whilst Martin Roberts' sparkling bass guitar work made double sure that the showcase got off to an absolute flier,
He followed up with another album highlight, namely the ‘see-myself-in-the-life-of-my-best-friend’ love song ‘That Was Me’. With chords to die for (or even surf on!), and songwriting shades of The Beatles evident, the undisputed pop appeal added to the already gathering and effortless momentum of the set.
Lancashire troubadour Mike Kneafsey took over on acoustic guitar as ‘Beauty’ fair shimmered, whilst another reflective number ‘Water’s Edge’ came across equally well - another melodic gem with photographic image/picture postcard lyrics.
With Herring momentarily on bass and Jason Dunkley adding irresistible classical guitar ‘Love Don’t Cut It’ melted beautifully in the high humidity before slowing and easing it’s way to a near-grinding halt. It was some conclusion, one that added weight to the ominous chorus hook-line/title. This was a moment that showcased stagecraft as well as songwriting, and it served as a reminder that Herring has clocked up unlimited live experience prior to the sessions for the record.
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‘Please Don’t Go’ gave us the palm to palm enhancement of another killer melody – this one beautifully fragile. With spot-on backing vocals from drummer Rich Devlin and Jason Dunkley, this one went down a storm, whilst ‘Urban Decay’ proved equally blistering. Another pivotal album moment “set on these here streets” it was delivered with a nod to the pot-of-tea and slice of cake take on Gr-r-r-r-rock and roll!
Adrenaline fuelled, this was a faster rendition which added to the song’s urgency at no expense to the melody.
Ten songs in we finally saw Herring alone onstage for the first time for ‘They Said’, strangely choosing an electric guitar for the solo spotlight.
And by the time we got to the audience participation anthem ‘Home’, with Sue Millichap’s beautiful backing vocals enhancing the song to the full, justice had been well and truly done to what is an album well worth hearing. Herring’s solo encore provided absolute confirmation that ‘Tales….’ is a fine album, and that this had been a brilliant night. Just to make sure though, the band returned to knock out ‘Soul Ya Got’, prompting a bit of a well-deserved standing ovation from the packed floor. Martin Roberts deserves recognition once again for a superb bassline here - cracking stuff!!
All in all, a top night, not only for the unique choice of venue and fine performances, but because even accounting for the can't-lose feeling of celebration (this was a true launch PARTY right enough), it was still impressive to see full justice done to what is a massively accomplished debut. Top night!!
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