Star
rating - 8/10
My favourite sort of gigs are dark sweaty affairs
in the back room of a pub. Call it reliving my youth if you will, but the
intimacy and the bond with the performers is something that just cannot be
captured in larger venues. Of course the paradox is that the band needs a
larger audience to finance their career, so it's a bit of a selfish indulgence
on my part I know. And in truth the upstairs room of the Ducie Bridge pub could
have been a little fuller for the excellent Dreaming Spires gig on their debut
headline tour last night. But I am confident that they will not remain a well
kept secret for much longer.
Hailing from Oxford, brothers Robin and Joe
Bennett wear their musical influences on their sleeves with pride, as they pay
homage to Gram Parsons, The Band, Teenage Fan Club et al. Their
excellent debut album Brothers in
Brooklyn is full of brilliant pop themes that are both infectious and
accomplished, with borrowed lines from their favourite songs along the way. Their
lyrics are witty and catchy, and their harmonies a delight - check out Not Every Song From the Sixties Is A Classic;
or their new single Just Can't Keep This Feeling
In if you don't believe me.
They are deservedly getting lots of air play right
now on the likes of 6 Music. And anyone who loves Gram Parsons is a friend of
mine, musically speaking. Their cover of The Flying Burrito Brothers' Sin City was a rare joy. Just one thing
guys - Manchester is about so much more than Oasis and fights - come back soon
and we'll prove it to you...
And a lovely support set from Manchester Americana
loving band Walton Hesse was also a toe tapping treat.
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