A rainy Sunday in Manchester - no surprise there then - saw the cloudy sky contribute towards the ambience as THE MONTGOLFIER BROTHERS (Prestwich-based side project threesome playing their first gig in well over two years. Consisting of twin guitars flanking a lead vocalist, their set was a delicate, even fragile exploration of 'adult' relationship angst.
The main attraction were quick to follow. Kicking off with the subliminal 'Berry Adams', the first track on their newly-released 'Talahomi Way' album, from thereon in they could do no wrong.
'Fly Baby Fly' was another right spot-hitter - more proof positive of the quality of the new record, if any was needed following the cult outfit's 4 year hiatus. Later, this was reinforced by the dreamy Fisher-Price psychedelia of 'Take My Hand'.
As if by magic,'Calloway' also got a welcome airing, serving as a reminder of when the Llamas last release was.
High points? Well, if you were never intended to spend the evening trapped in this particular lift, 'Rollin', with it's deliciously upbeat hookline, spiralled onwards and upwards off the back of seemingly endless optimism. Surely this moment alone would have been enough to convert the accidentally present:
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"We say 'Hi' to the rivers and the mountains...." intoned O'Hagan, with not a trace of awareness as to where his status as an underground hero is concerned.
Indeed, his patter was consistently unassuming and genial throughout, and therein lies much of the artist's charm. Sean's science-teacher enthusiasm radiated out as he mumbled and bumbled, (often incomprehensibly and nervously) in between the songs. All good points to be making - this was no 'staged' show, despite the onstage placing of the musicians.
The glowing 'Checking In, Checking Out' seemed an entirely fitting way to end the night, and again, this served to reinforce what the band's incidental and highly conceptual vision is all about.
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