’ll start with a confession. I somehow missed this band first time round. Which feels mad considering Clint has been a mate for years and DJ’d more Manchester nights than I can count. So walking into the Albert Hall tonight felt like finally turning up to a party everyone’s been talking about for decades.
And wow. This might be the fullest I’ve ever seen this place. Definitely accumulated years of gig-going experience.
As I pulled up on my battered 97 Kona, I genuinely thought I’d struggle to find somewhere to lock it. I half expected the street to be rammed with scooters, Vespas and crushed Stella tins. That kind of night.
From the off, this crowd was up for it. When Is This How It Feels landed, it didn’t just get sung, it took flight. Like a bird, straight out of the hall and into the Manchester night air.
They really are the Jam of the North. I always thought that title sat neatly with Maxïmo Park, but the John Cooper Clarke collaboration on Let You Down has well and truly redefined that for me. There’s something beautifully northern and brilliantly sharp about it. Maybe even the birthplace of Sleaford Mods energy too. Suck on a roll up, pull your jeans up. Those lyrics would slide straight in. Drag the bag or take it back.
Blur must have loved these lot. They resonate on the same frequency. That melodic swagger with a bite underneath. And yes, the Carpets are releasing a new album, via Scruff of the Neck no less. Northern Quarter royalty stamping it with approval.
This felt like Manc rock school 101. The Carpets have matured, told the crowd we’re the best-looking audience they’ve seen, then immediately asked for the house lights to be turned down because it made them feel sick. Perfect balance.
I Guess This Is How It Feels to Be Lonely hit hard. Then came She Comes in the Fall and suddenly I was questioning everything. Is that a Fall cover? Then I Want You landed and I swear I felt the ghost of Mark E Smith hovering somewhere near the balcony.
I’ve mentioned beer flying in plenty of reviews, but this one was something else. I was right at the back and still ended up absolutely soaked. I was very glad it wasn’t the middle of December. Oh wait. It was.
There’s a better way to describe all this. Shoegazing 101? If I’m wrong, tell me.
Let’s just say it out loud. The 90s did it. And it did it best.
Not entirely sure what the booing was about, but Mike from Oldham had always wanted to visit the Albert Hall. Tonight he finally did, watching an Oldham band in full flight. He’d like to say the night was as cool as Boon. I’ll allow it.
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