Manchester Orchestra
Neptune Theatre, Seattle, Wa
4.29.14
Anyone who brought tape and glue to this show, please step forward now, because all three bands tonight tore it up. Somewhere a bar was set, and I hope years won’t pass before I see another show that complete from open to close. Blank-faced, I wandered out the doors of the Neptune and into the night, muttering like an idiot, “Holy crap, that was a great show.”
Wrapping up ten years of existence, Manchester Orchestra has built a rich audio history of TV shows, movies, video games, and all things Late Night. Their performance tonight at the Neptune was the largest headlining show they’ve played in Seattle thus far, and for the fans and bands alike, their time together was savored. Manchester is taking their new album, Cope, to 35 lucky cities this spring before returning to their home base in Atlanta. Accompanying them for this sweet, magical ride is Kevin Devine + The Goddamn Band and Balance and Composure.
Packing a good sense of humor and no razors, Manchester Orchestra took the stage 60% bearded and 100% committed to rock. There’s some simple math for you numbers people. The show had a very strong, physical tone, as singer Andy Hull seemed to strain for frets on the neck of his guitar that didn’t exist. I expected, very soon, for his instrument to either burst into flames or tap into noises from another dimension. While the amp for guitarist Robert McDowell shorted in and out, Hull chuckled as they found a new meaning for “cope.” The crowd was then hushed by Hull for a “serious moment,” as him and McDowell played dueling guitars while Hendrix rolled around in his grave in Renton. The candor was very much appreciated, but they may want to polish that one a little more before taking it to Letterman. Endearing moments also included Hull’s performance of Colly Strings, an ode to his wife written before they were married.
Appropriate moshing aside, the crowd was attentive and respectful – a testament to how starved they were for the opportunity to see these guys play. The Neptune was blanketed in complete silence as Manchester Orchestra quietly ended their set with Turn Out the Lights. Not willing to put their jammies on quite yet, and with all the components handy, Bad Books found their way on stage and kicked off the encore with 42. For the (absolute) last song, Hull gave the crowd two options: Simple Math or Where Have You Been? A real Sophie’s Choice. Their performance concluded with Simple Math.
I would be terribly amiss to neglect some wordage on the opening bands for this show. They are, in all respects, just as talented and essential to this tour as Manchester Orchestra.
Kevin Devine + The Goddamn Band kicked off tonight’s show with gasoline and a match. Having spent most of his earlier years as a solo act, Devine’s style is fully fleshed with the addition of The Goddamn Band. Their fan base has found solid footing over the years and continues to grow, so much so that they didn’t have any merch to sell. In lieu of those boring, screen printed tees, KD + TGB opted to grab some white shirts and draw on them with markers. Problem solved. They ended their ten-song set with an amazing performance of Redbird.
The middle of our music sandwich was Balance and Composure, playing nine songs that felt like two. From Doylestown, Pa, Balance and Composure’s output has been followed with plenty of acclaim, although they seem to keep fairly mum with their press and generally take their time with releasing. There’s nothing to hide here, and this five-piece is solid. Don’t let their baby faces fool you. Between singing and eating the strings on his guitar, lead man Jon Simmons said Seattle was one of their favorite stops. We’re equally honored, Jon.
If you have the chance to catch any of these guys on tour, you’d be a fool not to go.
Review by T.Monte
Photos by Sunny Martini
Manchester Orchestra
Kevin Devine
Balance and Composure
