Manchester Orchestra
I have heard about the theatrics of a Manchester Orchestra show and was looking forward to what they had in store that night. After (purposely) skipping the first two acts, I made my way through a seemingly 16-21 aged crowd to get a few good shots of the band.
The Features
Opening act, The Features, shared their Americana folk rock with a mixed and very young crowd. It was well received and they seemed to be having fun and confident with their presence in the tour. Last year’s Some Kind of Salvation oozed Modest Mouse recklessness and the clumsy beauty of Tom Waits making The Features a band to know this year. Keep on the look-out.
Manchester Orchestra
Just as Manchester Orchestra do what they do best, they let the music talk and leave it to be admired throughout the 90 minute set. Kicking off with Pride and going into In My Teeth, the band quickly prove these songs can fit well into this type of venue. As the set comfortably takes some of the best bits of their last 2 albums, with previous singles I Can Barely Breathe and I’ve Got Friends, along with a cover of Neil Young’s Walk On as well as a declaration of love to 50 Cent, one of the night’s more humorous highlights.
Manchester Orchestra
They even dipped into a new track entitled, Schwing!, a very high energy and poppier sound similar to Shake It Out, which was also played. Given the might, majesty and bowel-quivering rock greatness of Manchester Orchestra’s recent album, Mean Everything to Nothing, it was a bit more enjoyable to hear the grandeur of I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child.
Manchester Orchestra
An overall faultless set, that despite the bands non-mainstream status, proved anything is possible and can be done, as Manchester Orchestra’s minimalist stage approach allowed the band and fans to appreciate this band and how far they have come. Their bold, progressive sound mixed with humor was a joy to see live.
For entire picture collection, click here.