I’ve been pondering on how to describe the Manics for a while now. For me, they’ve always been the thinking punk’s band, the Mac Daddies of the Welsh rock scene (yes, more important than whatever other band you’re about to throw at me), and some of the finest lyrics going.
The Manic Street Preachers aren’t just a band for the sake of being a band. Their music can unashamedly stand next to that of The Clash and Black Flag in terms of political and social commentary. Songs with claws and teeth, but also capable of warmth and intimacy, such as in the case of ‘Ocean Spray’ – a touching number about singer James Dean Bradfield’s mother’s fight with cancer.
Tonight they’re rounding up their sold out double-nighter at the historic Barrowlands and we’re here for the party.
The support act for both nights is Low Harness. A grungy, shoegazey bunch from Cornwall. They’re not unlikeable if not an acquired taste. It’s a dark sounding, alternative, punky set that cares more about it’s message than being aurally pleasant. Lyrics that go along the lines of “It’s a great day for some bloodsports” are awesome and it’s pretty clear why the Manics chose them to come on tour. The lead guitarist has a lot of Graham Coxon about him, which forms most of the energy on stage – other than that, it’s a pretty static affair with the exception of when the keyboardist has her tambourine out and has a nice little dance to accompany the playing.
While waiting on the headliners, we get a D.H Lawrence quote on the screen to ignite our inner nihilists. “Consciousness is an end in itself. We torture ourselves getting somewhere, and when we get there it is nowhere, for there is nowhere to get to”. Then, as an introduction we get a remix of ‘Critical Thinking’ to a video projected on the screen of a POV of us racing down a highway. Perhaps to that place D.H was referring to…
Then we get there, and the band come on stage.
From note one, the crowd are clearly in the mood to sing along. It’s a glorious mix of high and low voices harmonizing and filling the venue with the thick sound of the vocal melodies. By the time ‘Design For Life’ comes along, it’s like the world’s best football crowd, before becoming softer with acoustic numbers such as ‘This Sullen Welsh Heart’.
It’s no surprise that we get all of the hits tonight – these guys know what they’re doing. Tonight – the second of two – we got the tour debut of ‘Australia’ which I would say puts us one up on those who were there for the first night. What a belter of a tune.
The sound is genuinely great, but the best part is James Dean Bradfield’s vocals sitting slightly high in the mix which is allowing him to showcase how good they actually are. This is something that’s often neglected in their recordings where the vocals can seem buried at times. Tonight they soar and they’re unbelievably on point. Bassist and chief wordsmith Nicky Wire still provides the kinetic energy on stage and is still young enough to put in plenty of jumps while playing. Those close enough to see his smile can tell he’s loving tonight too.
Finishing the night with ‘If You Tolerate This…’ is fantastic, even if there were guitar issues for James – but they went unnoticed and absolutely forgiven with the confetti being blasted out over the crowd following a final singalong at the bridge.
I can’t really think of anything that could have made this show better. It’s clear why these guys have such a devoted, cult following and once you see them live, it’s a cult you don’t mind joining.
Photos by Catching Light Photography
Catching Light Photography
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