Tuesday 17/11/09 Manchester Orchestra @Heaven, London

The 5-piece emotional-rock outfit from Atlanta, Georgia has skipped across the pond to play a few European shows in the midst of their monster U.S tour with Brand New, Thrice and Glassjaw. Having already played with Biffy Clyro earlier in the week, Manchester Orchestra were visibly practiced and clearly taking their continuous increase in popularity firmly in their stride.
 
Talons were the support act at Heaven and it was hard to tell exactly why. Without taking away their unquestionable exuberance and talent, the dark and chunky post-rock, accompanied by two violins, just didn't suit the genre of which the trendy gig-goers had come to see. The lead guitarist aptly donned a Pelican t-shirt, which suggested the type of band they ought to be supporting. Manchester Orchestra's lead-singer, Andy Hull, joked on the subject later in the night; "Thanks to Talons for scaring everyone."
 
The headline set comprised of fan-favourite tunes; old and new - which was refreshing. All too often, when a band initially reaches the big-time on a record release, they'll typically tour with those songs. Latest album 'Everything to Nothing' did dominate the set, but a few hits from 'I'm like virgin losing a child' crept in, much to the delight of loyal M.O fans. 'Where have you been?' had most people in the crowd screaming along to the anguished voice of Andy Hull.
 
Those in the room who were new to M.O, could no doubt be forgiven for getting a little bored or lost during the show. The songs do get a little repetitive and the lyrics can occasionally cause a confused face scrunch. Saving this potential disorientation was keyboard player/backing drummer/vocalist/stella drinker, Chris Freeman. His continuous energy and head banging is encapsulating to anyone distant from the music.
 
After a set of highs, lows, quiets and louds, it’s fair to say that Manchester Orchestra are set for a steady and successful career in the music they're making. It's almost a back-to-basics way of smashing out rock with a twist of emotional and heart-felt vocals (I'm refusing to write 'emo' as I fear its connotations have sadly become far to negatively generic). They're loud, proud and seem quite happy playing music that pleases them, without feeling the need to produce anything revolutionary. With bands like Kings of Leon and Brand New encouraging M.O's music to the masses, who knows what's in store for this 'bunch of emos'.