Manchesters Academy 2 for me has always felt like a time warp back to school, with the big hollow vicinity echoing that of a school disco, but if given enough space to move freely to the front then the venue is excellent for its sound quality and ability for atmosphere.
Houston Calls were the first support for tonights show, and the front quickly packed out to see the 5 piece from New Jersey. Their album 'A collection of short stories' has done well in the USA, and the band have gained notoriety over in the UK after appearing on the 'Dead and Dreaming: An indie tribute to Counting Crows' cd and their cover of 'Einstein on a beach'.
Whilst many may label them as another pop punk band with keyboards, Houston calls really are much more than this and was evidently proven after an impressive but brief 20 minute set consisting of 'Exit, emergency', 'Elephant and castle' the ever funky 'Bob and Bonnie' the slowed down 'Amtrak is for lovers' and the catchy 'Sunrise Goodbyes'. To play first and so early on in the night, the band gained a positive reception from the crowd and Toms vocals really are worth checking out before you label them as the next Fall Out Boy. Unlike the aforementioned, I dont see Houston Calls selling themselves out so quickly.
Plain White Tees were missed due to accosting a chat with Jarret from Houston Calls around the bar and discussing the roots of true emo (we are talking The Get Up Kids here people) and the highs and lows of touring around the UK with your closest on a bus. "I havent eaten since the show last night! Everything is so expensive here." And when questioned on the UK fan base? "The UK fans are great. They really get into the show. This is only our third night over here but its brilliant, Manchesters awesome and were all having a really good time. We are very lucky." For anyone curious of Plain White Tees, if you are into generic pop punk and lyrics you can sing along too then check them out, disappointed you shall not be.
HelloGoodbye are well known for their wacky dress sense and expertise in the use of synths. After large success with their EP in 2004, the new album Zombies!Aliens!Vampires!Dinosaurs!' has been hotly anticipated but not so greatly received. Tracks such as 'Shimmy shimmy quarter turn' and 'Touch down turn around' proved to be favourites for the slightly elder or more dedicated fan, whereas 'All of your love' and 'Figures AB' were recognised amongst the newer fans. Whilst I am a firm believer in synths and squeaky voices never sounding note perfect live, HelloGoodbye do not sound far from this and illustrated what sounded like a passionate and well rehearsed set.
With the rest of the tour sold out, their popularity is hard to question and easy to see with their little bursts of power pop and delight. And to be honest, who isnt partial to be a bit of synths loving these days? Electro, indie, dance...need I go on?
article by: Kate Robinson
published: 27/01/2007 15:52
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.