The Pigeon Detectives,The Virgins Live Review @ Academy [1, 2, 3 and Club Academy] (Manchester) - 04 Dec 2008

The Pigeon Detectives
The Pigeon Detectives

Live Review

There was plenty of overtime available at the old rumour mill before this gig, due to a few no shows earlier on in the tour tongues are wagging about the Mat Bowman fronted, The Pigeon Detectives. Given their love of their home city of Leeds, they wouldn't think twice about ditching a gig in their rival city, would they? However, doubts are put to bed upon several testimonies to sightings of the ebullient Mat Bowman.

This means that the entire venue is relaxed and boozy enough to soak up this tenderizing vibe given off by the Cage The Elephant spirited New York support act, The Virgins. Whilst not having the energy of the main act the accessible, R N' B flirting material has a universal impact. This is something that is illuminated in the slow grooving smooch out of 'Rich Girls'. Whilst minds dance, bodies remain constant due to the chilled out nature of some of the material. They are a band whose sound will slowly seep into the mindset and given that for most people this is their first time experiencing The Virgins (come on, you gotta allow one cheap play on words!), energy levels during their sets will start rising.

Beer and inhibitions fly into the air upon the mere sighting of Mat Bowman and his ranting Rothwell troupe, who form The Pigeon Detectives. Given the ease, energy and enthusiasm on display, you'd be surprised to learn about a chest infection that has caused Bowman to disappoint fans with a couple of cancellations on this tour. This is especially the case with a chesty rendition of the self-sure, boozy indie dance-floor filler, 'Everybody Wants Me'. Its simplicity and catchiness is the epitome of the group and Bowman's energy underlines why they have previously been perfect stage mates on tour with The Kaiser Chiefs. A bit of arrogance, alcohol fuelled confidence and two albums worth of hook fuelled tunes is certainly a recipe for Christmas abandon.

Their second album 'Emergency' has received a mixed response mainly for coming so quickly after the debut album and being a little too similar for the variety seekers out there. Tonight, the material blends slickly into one and it gives you the impression that a live album is an absolute must. ' I Found Out', provides for a shouted crowd inclusive moment of fun, the twining guitar stroked rhythm on top of Bowman's spirit and exuberance lifts it up more than a notch. You can see the adoration shining out in the faces of a mainly teenage crowd. Naturally, 'I'm Not Sorry' cements Da Detectives status as rabble rousing royalty. It does seem that Leeds and indie in general is big enough for both The Kaiser Chiefs and the larger than life Bowman crew.

David Adair

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