There is a certain warmth to Los Campesinos! that cannot but appeal.
Which, considering that much of their output recounts the difficulties of love, has always been unexpected. Charm feels like an odd approach to heartache. And live this charm is not lessened, but is actually even more, well, charming.
Over the years this likability has served them almost as well as the quality of their output – tonight is no different. The audience are not just here for the music, but for the sense of community. To those gathered in Manchester, this is a gathering of old friends.
Because of this atmosphere the band are relaxed, fluid and free. They play a selection of tracks that feel like a selection of personal favourites. It seems not to be about singles or crowd favourites, but songs they love the most. Songs like ‘Cemetery Gaits‘ and ‘We’ve Got Your Back (Documented Minor Emotional Breakdown #2)‘ are played with freedom and honesty, but more importantly with joy.
This is the signature of the night, joyous abandon. The band are clearly enjoying it, they fire through their songs breathlessly, at times wildly. How the wheels don’t come off is a true wonder, yet no-one cares, this gig is not about proving anything, it is sheerly about the joy of being in a band, and what the music really means to the band.
You suspect that no matter what is happening outside, throughout the whole of Manchester, no one else is having as much fun as Los Campesinos!. Fast or slow. Storming or delicate. Heartache or frustration. Tonight it matters not. Gareth Paisey’s wry smile is immovable. This is surely the true definition of success in music, quite simply having your cake and eating it.
Yet amongst all the mutual enjoyment, there are some truly wonderful moments. Things that rise above the simple pleasure of everything else, moments when Los Campesinos! push the audience that bit further. Everyone is expecting to enjoy ‘You! Me! Dancing!‘ but no one was expecting this; a performance that brings elation to the room.
It is the truly brilliant performance of ‘What Death Leaves Behind‘ that stands out as the moment of the night. A few minutes of sincere pleasure for all present, regardless of which side of the stage they are standing. The congeniality washes yet further over the audience, it’s still the most wonderfully impressive part of the evening. Los Campesinos! are in rarefied territory here, this is a not something bands can achieve easily. It’s not that they are more loved than others, or more loving of their fans, tonight it is just how wonderfully relaxed they are amongst their fans.
Maybe it’s the time of year, maybe it’s because they are releasing a festive EP, but you suspect they are always this relaxed and playful, always this much fun. That’s why everyone is here, and that’s no bad thing. Enjoyment is the whole point of live music, and this is enjoyment personified.
Los Campesinos! have the music, they have the live chops and they have the audience. But more than that, they are having the time of their lives.
And because of this, so is everyone else.