NME Tour - Maximo Park,Arctic Monkeys,We Are Scientists,Mystery Jets Live Review @ Academy [1, 2, 3 and Club Academy] (Manchester) - 04 Feb 2006

NME Tour - Maximo Park,Arctic Monkeys,We Are Scientists,Mystery Jets Live Review @ Academy [1, 2, 3 and Club Academy] (Manchester) - 04 Feb 2006

Photo:Deirdre O'Callaghan

Live Review

The annual NME tour rolled into town once more, giving the chance to the latest young roll and roll artists to show off their talents. Previous years awards shows has seen talent such as Franz Ferdinand and The Kaiser Chiefs rise to the top following the opening spot of the tour, so lets hope that this year is no different for tonight’s opening act.

First up were London based eccentric outfit Mystery Jets who slammed into their intriguing set with current single, the catchy “Can’t Fool Me Dennis,” which oozed strong funk and indie influences demonstrated by infectious guitars, a beast of a bass line and keyboards aplenty.

Showing us their romantic side (well it is nearly Valentines Day) the band ploughed on with “Diamonds in the Dark,” which was introduced, as their first ever love song. Rounding up with the riotous “Alas Agnes” featuring refreshing vocals and guitars and keyboards aplenty, courtesy of Henry Harrison (incidentally lead singer Blaine’s dad) who flitted to and fro like there was no tomorrow between a plethora of instruments.

“Alas Agnes” truly showed us that the Mystery Jets are not easily forgotten, and if having your dad in the band is not unique enough, try a multitude of intriguing instruments, ranging from the coulinder to, well it’s anyone’s guess, and that is the beauty of it all.

The flighty Interpol-antics with the odd Hot Hot Heat vocal interlude of the nifty New York power trio; We Are Scientists lit up the proceedings, as they looked at home in a venue that they have already sold out in their own right. The bolting and brazen ‘This Scene Is Dead’ gave an early indication of the band’s bite and musical swiftness. Those bands fearful of the Reading Festival bottle throwers this year, would be advised to take a leaf out of bassist and backing vocalist; Chris Cain’s book. When a can of Coors was thrown squarely at him he just drank the contents gratefully. A driving rock set was illuminated by the hard melody and forceful vocals of Keith Murray, reaching a peak in ‘Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt’. The American participation in this event was certainly not a token one this year that is for sure.

The arrival of the NME tours always creates an exciting buzz, and this year was no different, except that this years buzz was well off the scale, something to do with a certain Sheffield outfit maybe? The anticipation of this ensemble grew to monstrous realms, and the venue became packed beyond the rafters with fans eagerly awaiting their new favourite band. There may have not been a space to drop a pin, but that did not stop the place erupting at the moment opener “When The Sun Goes Down” kicked in with it’s broad dialect and bouncy nature, not to mention the biting lyrics about prostitution and life after dark.

The electric atmosphere continued, with relentless bouncing and dancing for the needs no introduction “I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor” which showed the charismatic Alex Turner giving his all vocally and gyrating all over the place and looking like the stage was his oyster.

Opening with their 2 main singles was a daring move, but as their other material was aired, that was soon forgotten, and it became clear that they had something even more striking to offer. The beautifully played funk and ska fuelled “Fake Tales of San Fransisco” oozed a tight rhythm section and an urgent chorus strain engraved itself on the mind, and stood out a mile:

I don't want to hear you
(Kick me out, kick me out)
I don't want to hear you no
(Kick me out, kick me out)

The hard rocking and sharp “Perhaps vampires is a bit strong, but” and closer “A Certain Romance” oozed charisma in both sound and performance; closing a night of songs full of shrewd observation, biting lyrics and the feeling of, actually, they have a point, and a definite talent.

With those who treated the gig as an Arctic Monkeys headline slot having eloped to the bar or left the building, it made room for the many who still had energy and plenty of enthusiasm to fully enjoy the gyration inducing Geordies of Maximo Park. An exuberant beginning was sparked off by the punchy ‘Graffiti’, as front man Paul Smith who had the look of an American bootlegger during the prohibition, fed off the keenness of the crowd to lift up the proceedings.

Not content to rest upon their laurels and to solely harness the power and pull of songs from their popular ‘A Certain Trigger’ album, M P have been busy focusing their drive and energy on potential second album material. This included the power packed ‘A Fortnight’s A Long Time’; dousing a bit of reflection upon matters. The bouncy ‘Gone Missing’ put the lid on an earnest and energetic performance; certainly ensuring that the event ended on a careering high.

David Adair & Katherine Tomlinson

Gigs

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