Opening at the Manchester Roadhouse, a wet dream of a venue for any band to grace, the crowd mounted to a mere 50, a slight surprise after all the hype and record sales.
JayMay supported, a small time New York girl, standing in the spotlight with only her guitar. Now this woman can sing. I mean, really sing. She was captivating to watch and even more so to listen to, with her voice showing off the husky tones of a Regina Spektor vocal. Her songs were simple yet meaningful, summing up life as a mid 20s girl in the strum of a guitar. She played a stunning tribute to her late friend Paul, and the short six song set was by no means enough to fully justify her musical potential. She was the best support I have seen in a long time and I encourage you all to buy her EP or check her out on myspace, you will not be disappointed.
Mates Of State opened with that annoying banter that so many American bands seem to do these days, complaining of what theyve been called and trying to mock the British accent. (It doesnt work, you sound stupid.) However, the moment was soon forgotten as 50 sweaty electro kids spazzed (I really dont know how else to describe it) there way to the front of stage, waving around their cans of Strongbow and stamping their converse clad feet. The music was catchy, funky keyboard rhythms and a drumbeat you could clap along too, yet they seem to lack something live that they do on record. Oh wait, they actually cant sing live. Gardners voice held the equivalent of a teenage shouting tantrum, whilst Hammel was barely heard.
Although they played the hits, the songs did seem to merge into one, and after a while the set became monotonous and lacking in any substance. A big disappointment for a band that seemed to have the goods. (bad pun, but there you go).
article by: Kate Robinson
published: 22/05/2006 11:45
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.