And So I Watch You From Afar are a band that I’ve
been intending to catch for a while, so it’s
a happy coincidence that they are the first opening
band for tonight’s headliners Oceansize.
The Northern Irish quartet are steadily making
a name for themselves as one of the UK’s
finest pioneer’s of convention breaking,
head fucking rock. Tonight they open with Set
Guitars To Kill, and whilst this is only a short
thirty minute set, they blind the crowd with their
ferocious musical juggernaut.
Vessels have the unenviable job of being the
follow-up to And So I Watch You From Afar, yet
tonight’s audience have gathered in their
masses to see what these Leeds based post-rockers
have to offer. Unfortunately, Vessels lack the
raw edge that the aforementioned were able to
provide by the bucket load. Whilst their musicianship
is second to none, and their songs are both intricate
and intriguing, there seems to be something missing,
and they leave the stage to half-hearted rippling
applause.
Oceansize have been flying the flag for Manchester’s
underground progressive-rock circuit for over
a decade now, therefore it may come as a surprise
to many that they are playing to a 250 capacity
venue. It may be less of a surprise to find out
that this show is a complete sell-out. Mike Vennart
and co. know every inch of the Academy 3’s
stage, and they use it to their full advantage.
Playing small, sticky and sweaty venue’s
creates the perfect backdrop for the Oceansize
experience.
Tonight’s set is heavily laden with new
material, they showcase brand new songs from their
eagerly anticipated fourth album, play a selection
from their 2009 EP Home & Minor, and a handful
of oldies are thrown in just to keep the hardcore
fans happy. It never ceases to amaze me how Oceansize
can thrash out riff after riff, yet can effortlessly
transit to sublime melody and harmony, all within
the space of one song.
Oceansize appear truly happy in their home from
home, which is the Academy 3. Some bands may not
be content with the fact that they are still playing
the same venues eleven years down the line, but
no band is like Oceansize. Each harmony, each
kick of a bass drum, each struck chord is done
with feeling. The feeling that Oceansize are not
only the best band in Manchester at the moment,
but possibly the best band to have ever come out
of this fantastic city.
And So I Watch You From AFar - 5/5
Vessels - 3/5
Oceansize - 5/5
Review By Ben Connell
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