The Bravery,Mando Diao Live Review @ Academy (Manchester) - 31 May 2005

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Live Review

True Rock N Roll blasé spirit featured in the build up to this gig, as both Mando Diao and some critics were perplexed in regards to why a band of their calibre was supporting The Bravery? The Swedes’ debut album Bring Em In that is a raucous The Libertines clashing with Sonic Youth on a fishing trip offering never for some reason saw the light of day in the UK. Therefore, while Mando were playing to 14,000 plus audiences in Sweden and Japan, The Kings Of Leon were making a splash in Britain. The stomping and rasping partnership of Bjorn Dixaard and Gustaf Noren threw themselves religiously in the polished and provocative Down In The Past, from their Hurricane Bar album that is released in the UK (on EMI).

The second number; Paralysed showcased the uncompromising style and belting riffs that are splattered around on Bring Em In. It is no surprise that this song was selected as the first proper release in the UK and instigated ripples of excitement in the pit. The smoothest and most scintillating display was produced via the old and, as yet, unreleased on these shores Mr. Moon featuring longing vocals that hung in the air like a kite. Can’t Steal My Love with its prominent keyboard element was lovingly received by a crowd that was slowly slipping into the Mando mood. A ripping finale was provided by way of the searing Sheepdog that is definitely going to help this band add the UK to the number of territories they have already conquered.

The Sam Endicott fronted New York electro rockers The Bravery sauntered into the melodious ode to love as a healer that is Rites Of Spring, one of the dark horses on their critically lauded debut album. The crowd were more enthralled than lively early on, with Endicott's enigmatic stage presence making onlookers resemble a tennis crowd, as they followed his every move around the stage culminating in a much awaited visit to the front. The set built up steadily to the thumping Human League having a soiree with Interpol and Joy Division tantaliser that is An Honest Mistake.

The slower and instrumentally pinging The Ring Song towards the end, saw Endicott telling a tale of romance and desire in New York and demonstrated that the band is broader than the Duran Duran wannabe tag that has been swiftly and a little irrationally stuck onto them. The main set closed with the twanging Unconditional inspiring a lively crowd response, setting things up nicely for an encore inclusive of latest single Fearless. The Bravery managed to get over the obstacle of replicating their sound in a live setting and look to defy the fly by night trend of being the latest thing, as their sound will grow on those gathered tonight and so will the band.

David Adair