Orson Live Review @ Academy (Manchester) - 26 Oct 2006

Orson Live Review @ Academy (Manchester) - 26 Oct 2006

 

Live Review

Of course, when a band rises as high as radio luvvies Orson, then cynics are going to attach themselves like cling-ons to their bold, colourful and funky, enterprising musical starship. However, not even their harshest critic could deny that they have earned the opportunity to play in front of 1,800 plus people tonight. Orson, led by the ebullient Jason Pebworth have earned their stripes through relentless touring, playing in places like Aviemore, where gigs are rarer than a melody in a Slayer song. A feature of an Orson set is its dynamic nature. Therefore, to fresh things up from recent visits to the UK, they choose to open with top ten single ‘Bright Idea’, testing the larynxes of the crowd early on. This number also helps to allay any fears that prolific gigging may have roughened up Pebworth’s smooth and soulful cry, with his falsetto vocals reaching a quivering plateaux from the off.

The bass amp must recently have been cranked up using parts stolen from NASA, as Johnny Lonely’s Bass lines reach floor shuddering effect for the likes of ‘Downtown’ and the yearning funk out, ‘Already Over’. A lolloping and cynical lyrical lash out, ‘Congratulations Jesse, You Finally Made It’ again sees its non-album status questioned, when a lighter and soul stroking accompaniment glides through the air to provide a bracing moment. The snappy vocal bite is delivered with strut and cockiness, by a confident and flamboyant front man who keeps just on the right side of arrogance all evening. Singles ‘Happiness’ and ‘No Tomorrow’, draws you into the colourful and accessible world of Orson, as each song is truly the sum of its parts and no one member stands out. That is saying something, given the exuberance and captivating presence of Pebworth.

David Adair

Gigs for Academy

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