I like to think I'm reasonably down with the kids and aware of what bands are hip right now. I kinda make it my business to know, not least of all because I have a fear of becoming one of those old grufters who think that good music stopped being released when they hit 30.
I have to admit, though, that Manchester Orchestra wasn't a name I'd heard until I was offered this review. Still, some brief research showed that they were going to be touring with Biffy Clyro, so I figured they were worth investigating. A couple of weeks later, I spotted their recent single, 'I've Got Friends' was available on Virgin Music On Demand. Even then, I hadn't appreciated just how much of a following they might have.
Turning up at the venue to see people queuing way, way down the street was a surprise. The second surprise was to see just how devoted their fans are. From the outset, there were raised arms, fists punching the air and large sections of the crowd singing every last word. I suppose it's hardly surprising though. Since grunge, there's been precious little 'real' music break through that has both beef and broad appeal. Let's face it, Nu-Metal wasn't particularly palatable to many, and Emo and Indie were generally a bit limp. All were more style than substance, more often than not.
What we're seeing now, with the likes of Biffy Clyro and Manchester Orchestra, is a return to more traditional values in many ways. Music that, put simply, rocks, and with no pretence. Music with sincerity.
The plaid shirts that are the gear of choice for Manchester Orchestra - and a large number of the fans - reflects that sincere, hard-working stance, in the same way as grunge merchants like Mudhoney, Nirvana and Tad wore their flannels for comfort rather than style. The guitar as an 'axe' can be read almost literally as the hardworking lumberjacks and docker types cranked up their guitars and vented their angst.
Manchester Orchestra hit the stage with some solid riffing, the lower ends of the sonic spectrum well covered. There's a reassuring solidity to the sound, and there's minimal chat between songs: they just get on and play, in a workmanlike fashion. 'I've Got Friends' appears quite early in the set, three or four songs in, and it's by far the most obvious (commercial) single of the selection of tracks played. Which means of course that it's by no means the best.
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That said, the set rapidly slows to a succession of to my ear, fairly standard mid-pace country-tinged alt-rock numbers. Amongst these I include 'The River,' but the fans sing along with every line with an intensity that would have you believe that 'I think I know you best when I sleep' was the most profound lyric of all time. Indeed, Andy Hull only has to sing about a quarter of the set: the audience do the rest. And whether or not the songs grab me, I can't help but marvel at the level of devotion.
Perhaps I'm simply showing my age: I've seen enough gigs, heard enough bands, to be of the opinion that what goes around comes around, and I'm increasingly difficult to please, let alone impress. My friend who's come along to see what Manchester Orchestra are about is of similar opinion, and likens them to My Morning Jacket, who he's actually rather keen on.
The last couple of songs see the tempo and volume pick up again, and it's when they do rock out that they're at their best. They also chuck in a satirical little ditty for / about 50 Cent, which I have to confess is pretty damn funny.
I leave feeling that I've seen a decent band play a decent gig. Not awed by any means, but equally, far from disappointed.
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