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Tag: live music

Live Review: Franz Ferdinand at Albert Hall

Written by Hannah O'Gorman on . Posted in Reviews.

Five studio albums down and Franz Ferdinand still retain so much of their zany and rambunctious
aura that enticed legions of fans in more than a decade ago. And whilst carrying out a performance
that would’ve considerably pleased the oldest and ardent of fans, the concert also featured a
plethora of tracks from their newest album Always Ascending that featured a slight transition in
music than to what fans may be used to.

The night began with a short but sweet hour performance from Albert Hammond Jr, well known as
the lead guitarist of The Strokes. Known for his eclectic style and killer speedball riffs during past
performances with the band, Hammond Jr certainly did not disappoint. Including hits such as ‘In
Transit’, Hammond Jr and his band riled up the crowd appropriately for the main act, so much so
that if they were ever to tour independently in the UK I wouldn’t hesitate in buying a ticket.
Announcing this new album as the introduction to Franz Ferdinand’s new period of music in a
previous interview with NME, it was an interesting experience seeing jovial and old-school hits such
as ‘Take Me Out’, ‘Do You Want To’ and ‘Michael’ alongside some of their newest songs.

Whilst some from Always Ascending, such as ‘Lazy Boy’, contain the quintessential foot-stomping vibe Franz
Ferdinand are known for, tracks like ‘Feel the Love Go’ and ‘Glimpse of Love’ felt like a return to a
groovy 70s age of Franz Ferdinand fans didn’t even know they needed! ‘Huck and Jim’ was a
personal favourite of mine from the album and exceeded my expectations when performed live:
there’s something magical about shouting your love and admiration for the NHS at the top of your
voice in Albert Hall. Nonetheless, all tracks still contained just the right amount of bop that make
Franz Ferdinand an absolute pleasure – and a whole lotta fun – to witness live in concert.

8/10.

Manni Gill for Fuse FM.

Live Review: Peter Perret at Gorilla

Written by Hannah O'Gorman on . Posted in Reviews.

Peter was supported by Bad Parents, who had a slow start in front of a still thin crowd. However, their closing track ‘You Can’t Date a Model’ – previously a Steve Lamacq 6 music recommends – drew a warm response as the Peter Perrett Posse started to arrive and get into the spirit of things.

Peter came out to a raucous welcome. The goodwill for Peter – who has battled addiction problems for many years – was palpable, with frequent back and forth between the former Only Ones frontman and his audience. Perrett was witty (‘Any United fans in? Good of you to come all the way up from London’), charming, and seemed genuinely grateful for the support. His set consisted of a mix of tracks from his new album ‘How the West Was Won’ – the title track of which was a strong point – and classic Only Ones tracks.

He was joined on stage by his two sons, playing bass and lead guitar respectively. Both were impressive and evidently delighted to be able to share in their Dad’s comeback. But, for all the brilliance of his youngest son’s guitar solos and the absurdity of his vampiric, criminally underused keyboardist, it was clear that the crowd were waiting for the highlight track.

At last, to close his first encore, Peter obliged. ‘Another Girl, Another Planet’ had the
crowd bouncing like back in ’78. When he left the stage for the final time, the overwhelming sense was of not only satisfaction with a good gig, but a broader compassion for Perret – perhaps summed up by one punter’s particularly memorable interjection: ‘its good to see back on your feet, Peter.’

 

8/10.

 

Dan McDonagh and Richard Pitts for Fuse FM.

Live Review: Ryan McMullan at Deaf Institute

Written by Hannah O'Gorman on . Posted in Reviews.

Just before Christmas I had the opportunity to see Ryan McMullan at his Manchester stop while he was on tour of the UK. Having really enjoyed his gig back in September I was looking forward to seeing him again a few months later and it definitely didn’t disappoint! The show began solo with just him singing at the piano and the song he started with has stuck with me since then. The lyric “I’m just a little king without his crown” and it was beautiful. I so hope it’s on the full-length album he’s set to release soon!

 

Throughout the night he was trying out new music and it was really interesting to hear some of his new stuff. Having progressed since his concert in September, he had a full band to back him who were very talented and made for a great atmosphere in the intimate venue of the Deaf Institute. One of my favourite moments of the night was when he played his song Letting Go For A Little While because I haven’t heard him play a kind of country version of it before and it sounded fresh and invigorating! Also, with the gig being so close to Christmas, he played a lovely version of Fairytale of New York that had everyone singing and dancing along to! It was a great gig and I look forward to hopefully seeing him again in Manchester sometime soon!

 

9/10

Claire Thornton