This show could’ve been brought to us by two different bands, which only goes to show how versatile these guys are. The first half was loud, heavy indie rock/guitar fuzz while the second saw frontman Andy Hull pull out a series of duos with Simon and Garfunkel-esque folk harmonies. If Hull ever decided to ditch Manchester Orchestra, he would have a stellar career as a folk artist.
Another clear divide for the gig was Hull’s initially taciturn approach to the audience. Sure, he said ‘thank you’ a lot, but for the first part there was bugger all interaction with the crowd, other than for the statement: “I wish I were drinking.” Maybe it was making him cranky, but whatever, because he certainly got over it when he started to embark on some piss funny interaction with the crowd. “Be quiet, close your eyes and hold each other’s hand,” Hull encouraged us at one point.
The crowd was devoted. There’re no two ways about it. The whole gig was like a giant sing-a-long. We imagine that must be gratifying for the band, but when you’ve got a slightly pissed-up chick wailing in your ear, it ain’t quite so cool.
A lot of Manchester Orchestra’s lyrics bemoan lost or unrequited love. We hope these are in no way autobiographical, with lines like, “If you knew I were dying would it change you.” If you need to be dying in order to pull, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
BY MEG CRAWFORD
Photo by Laura May Grogan
Loved: The fact they played so loudly your clothes vibrated.
Hated: Two things: one, the retina burning light sequence and two, people farting in a packed room on a sweaty day. Hold it in for fuck’s sake.
Drank: Diet Coke.
