Simply Stunning
With Biffy Clyro's passionate melodic edge combined with a southern drawl, Manchester Orchestra are sure to go far. Their set is instantly absorbing; as singer Andy Hull plays an opening solo piece, silence descends over the crowd who're mesmerised by the dramatic emotion of Manchester Orchestra's repertoire. The hush is almost eerie in such an intimate venue as Glasgow's Nice n'Sleazys but suitable for the dark and morbid poetic tales that Manchester Orchestra are so good at. Death may be mentioned in every other song, but the stories are told with such passion and have such intrigue that they're rapturous rather than depressing.
From the paired down simplicity of tunes like, 'I Can Feel Your Pain' with harrowing wails of, "Hallelujah" to the visceral rock of 'Golden Ticket' and 'Where Have You Been?', Manchester Orchestra have the crowd fixated and frequently crying the words out loud with almost as much violence as Hull himself. It's a rare and enlightening experience to see big, butch men moved enough by music to punch the air in ecstasy, but one that this Atlanta group achieve with ease. 'I Can Barely Breathe' is another highlight and a real melodic rock epic with a rapturous chorus that would have most bands quaking in their boots.
Manchester Orchestra simply produce real and immediate rock music that engages the listener fully and is played with such vehemence that by the time the set finishes you're left exhausted from the emotional upheaval. For a band only on their debut album, and their first Glasgow show, Manchester Orchestra have put on a truly jaw dropping performance.