It’s been a while since The Amazons headed out on tour – in fact we saw them at this very venue around three years ago. Their absence from the live scene is clearly something which bothered them and they were intent on putting right in the strongest possible way.
And at Manchester Academy they grasp the opportunity full on. They bring fevered energy, stadium worthy anthems, presence and a determination which screams out that they are glad to be back on tour.
Before the Amazons, there is an opening indie-folk set from The Deep Blue which is filled with stunning harmonies, catchy tracks, and clever songcraft. It’s dreamy and easy to get lost in the sound. The crowd take them to heart immediately, singing along, cheering them on. Their 30 minute set flies by before they finish with the highly catch singalong anthem “He Said She Said”. The Deep Blue are definitely a band to seek out.
When The Amazons hit the stage there’s an immediate roar and the anticipation which has been building all night erupts.
Their opening salvo of How Will I Know, Ready For Something and the exceptional Ultraviolet sets the tone for the night. It’s going to be full on, brimming with energy and the music pushed to the fore.
It’s noticeable that since the last time we caught The Amazons at Manchester Academy the set and lighting have been toned down. It’s obvious that the focus on the tour is absolutely with reconnecting with the fans they have so clearly missed and their music. It works well. It feels like a band that needs nothing more than their instruments and fans to feed off – and they do.
There are moments of introspection and times when the pace pulls back to perfect effect, offering a contrast through the likes of There’s A Light and Northern Star.
There are also plenty of times when you feel the stadium quality of The Amazons and their music. The epic In My Hand has the fans cheering and bouncing along. The riffs and energy throughout the night match the presence and vocals of frontman Matt Thomson and they even have their own lighters (well camera lights now) in the air moments, coupled with fans draped around each other, other on shoulders and a sea of arms in the air.
The set is varied from rock anthems to acoustic serenades and even include a cover of Love Will Tear Us Apart in honour of Manchester.
The gig is simply put epic. It has to be a contender for one of the best Manchester has seen this year.
