|
|
|
 |
Date: Friday 7th May 2004
Venue: Manchester Academy
Capacity: 1800
Venue website: www.manchesteracademy.net
Setlist:
[Troubles] - John Maclean's film
01. Rhododendron
02. Inner Meet Me
03. Assessment
04. Squares
05. Troubles
06. Al Sharp
07. Wonderful
08. Out-Side
09. She's The One
10. Lion Thief
11. Push It Out
12. Easy
13. Simple
14. Liquid Bird
15. Quiet
-------------
16. Dog's Got A Bone
17. Space
18. Broke
Notes:
Designer Magazine [direct link]
Reviewer: Nicholas Paul Godkin
Rating: n/a
The Beta Band always push the boat out when it comes to their gigs. Unlike a lot of bands who are quite content to remain stationary for an hour or so, utter the occasional thanks and then go home, the Beta band really do put on a show. As a dedicated and enthusiastic fan i'm right at the front of the stage, clinging on to the barriers, not wanting to miss a single solitary moment. Before the Beta Band's grand entrance we're privileged to enjoy one of their home made short films. This one is a pastiche of the kung-fu epics of the 70s. Partly subtitled this sees our plucky leading man avenging the death of his loved ones. It's not exactly Kill Bill, but what the heck, this builds up the tension brilliantly.
The band open with a short instrumental flourish of confident capabilities. On their last tour The Beta Band saw their fans paying more attention to their eye catching visuals than the musicians on-stage, so it's now a gig less reliant on their filmic quotient although they've not abandoned this altogether. Their new single "Assessment" is their best effort yet, eclipsing even the 3 EPs collection. It's got style, rhythm, funk and Steve Mason on guitar and vocals is even better than before, enjoying himself in the process. Hearing "Squares" again off "Hot Shots 2" is a revelation, i'd forgotten how good and mellow the guitar riffs are. But the main focus of tonight's set is their new album "Heroes To Zeros" with "Wonderful" being my particular favourite. The Beta Band are multi-instrumentalists, swapping instruments at the drop of a hat, whether it be hitting cow bells, banging the tambourine or playing the bongo drums, The Beta Band are hard to beat (sorry, very bad pun). During the very last song Steve Mason plays on a drum kit right next to Robin Jones and the two of them play in unison (very much like in the 70s heyday of glam rock).
If this has been to your liking then catch them supporting Morrissey at Manchester's Old Trafford Cricket Ground on Sunday 11th July. It should be a grand day out.
photos submitted by lonely_minotaur
|
^top
|
|
|
