Review: Rival Sons live @ Manchester Gorilla


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Rival Sons really have got balls; it’s rare to witness a band walk out and play, in order, the entire first half of their brand new album.

They never waver, never feeling the need to resort to a tried and tested live staple, resolutely sure about what these tunes offer. As are the audience. The album has only been available for a handful of days, yet the capacity crowd in Gorilla reacts as if they were old favourites – launching themselves forward, at full voice. On paper this is impressive, in person it is a spectacular sight. The band’s confidence buoyed yet further by the total commitment of the fans in front of them.

Opening track ‘Electric Man‘ launches along with a brilliant ‘Secret‘ to set the pace and tone for the evening. Any other band on any other night, this is the standout moment. For Rival Sons, this is quite simply what they do, their calling card.

But as impressive as this opening is, it is what happens next that truly brings the gig to life. Classics ‘Torture‘, ‘Gypsy Heart‘ and the aching ‘Jordan‘ are performed with a seriousness and fire not found very often. Every note and lyric is thrust upon the audience, Jay Buchanan wrenching deep down for every single line, so much so that he appears to be in real pain.

It’s actually during the encore that Rival Sons really come alive. Scott Holiday, like a hillbilly laughing cavalier, and Michael Miley, in what appears to be fishing waders, both manage to create an electrifying and intoxicating cacophony during the expansive performance of ‘Manifest Destiny‘; Miley’s heavy foot and flailing arms matched in ferocity by Holiday’s powerful and exciting guitar work. A fiery and funky ‘Pressure and Time‘ and a huge, crowd pleasing ‘Keep On Swinging‘ are the standout performances of the evening.

Finally seeing the evening out with a lengthy, heartfelt and impassioned ‘Face Of Light‘, Buchanan’s meaningful performance is given even more gravity after his passionate dedication of the track to his son back home. The track is an encapsulation of the night; displaying what every other song had also shown – fire, passion and skill. Indeed, the level of skill in every area of this band can’t fail to impress, but it is the level of intensity that they bring to the performance that truly slays the audience. Buchanan’s almost ononistic display is wonderfully counterpointed by the rest of the band’s playful, give-the-crowd-more-of-what-they-want style.

At the height of their powers, and full of beans, Rival Sons seemingly have no fear, and look to be enjoying absolutely every moment.

They have taken Manchester by the hand and walked them off a cliff. In a puddle below, they are left pleading for more.



(Dylan Llewellyn-Nunes)


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