Can you tell I like Boston Manor? It's not like all I've talked about since the release of their sixth record and (in my opinion) best work Sundiver. Wait, it is? Well then fuck it, nails already in the coffin, let's yap some more shall we? I went to see Boston Manor with my partner on the final night of the 'Sundiver UK Tour' at the O2 Forum Kentish Town, and had extremely high hopes for what was promised to be a very special night - because not only were new songs going to be played, but this was the Blackpool rockers' highest capacity gig yet. Plus, at such a wildly affordable price, it felt like an absolute no brainer - without any more chatter, let's talk Boston Manor.
Venue
I've never been to an O2 venue that wasn't the O2 arena, so was really looking forward to seeing what this place had to offer. Located just a little bit away from Tuffnell Park Underground station, the O2 Forum Kentish Town boasted a really brilliant layout. Staff were friendly and chatty, and the general vibes of the place were really positive. It felt like an old theatre, with a huge proscenium arch stage and golden gilded walls, with rows of seats on the top, and standing room below. There were three bars, and although what they had on tap was a little limited, pints only clocked in at around £7 or so, which at gigs these days, you can't really complain about. The standing area was split into three zones, one right at the front of the stage, another wrapping around the back of that up a couple of stairs, and then finally a further level above the last. We decided to stay in the second section, as although moshing sounded like fun, something told me I'd be a little out of my depth. Acoustics were also really good, and overall, this was a really class venue.
Merch
Once again, no picture, but when I say it was busy, I mean it! There was a great selection of merch from all three bands, with loads to choose from. Graphic tees, hoodies, vinyls and even mugs decked the walls, and all ran pretty decent prices. Hoodies were around £50, tees £30, and a range of CD's for around £10. Once again, by todays standards, that's really good. I picked up a tour shirt, which I was really excited about after last time I saw these guys they didn't have one, with all the dates on the back, and an awesome metallic logo on the front. It's screen printed on a great quality Gildan shirt, and is super comfy, which will definitely hold up after repeated washes.
Support Acts
There were two acts on the support line-up at this gig, the first of which was a band called Split Chain. I'd never heard of them before, but they came on and did a really decent set. Their tracks were punchy and volatile, they had good stage presence, and their lead singer really flourished in his extreme vocal range. I had my head nodding along to their relatively short half hour set, and enjoyed a lot of what was going on. Sure, the crowd was a little subdued, and a couple of their tracks that they performed were a touch samey, but it seems like we were really catching these guys on the rise, and I reckon they might just be one to keep an eye on.
The second band on the bill was a more well known one, with a set from Trophy Eyes. I'm well aware of the huge impact these guys have had on the scene in Australia, being a pretty big name down under, so I was quite excited to see what they had to offer after not really being exposed to their music before. They were awesome, with a real confidence on stage, and you know me, when I see people singing along and really getting into it, I fall a little in love. It's the collective experience - the fact that this music is affecting people and making them happy. Their set was a little longer, at around 45 minutes, and was packed full of brilliant sounding tracks. Their lead singer John Floreani had a great voice, again really nailing those extremes, and the rest of the band had an awesome sense of immediacy and energy whilst onstage. It was brilliant to see, and I had a great time listening.
Boston Manor
I know, I keep talking about the fact that this is a band at the top of their game. But holy shit, was this even more fuel to the fire. They had seriously improved since I saw them back in Norwich in April. As they came on stage, the venue filled with cheers and cries of approval - and they began to play. The opening track of their set was also the first song on Sundiver, 'Datura (Dawn)'. It was a cinematic moment, and the lights bled yellow, bathing the five of them in this brilliant glow. Once again, I have to talk about the fact that this band sounds so good live, so organic and analogue. They're one of the very few bands I've seen that sound almost pinpoint exactly as they do on the records they put out. Both the new songs from Sundiver and the classics from Datura and Welcome to the Neighbourhood were precise and joyful, full of audience interaction and positive energy. For their largest capacity show, they sure showed how they can get a crowd going. Have a look at the 17 song strong setlist and let me know how it looks:
Can I say, those new songs rip live. They sound so fresh and full of life, it's no wonder people were crowd surfing and moshing to the extreme. I loved how tracks like Dissolve and Horses in a Dream sounded live, with that brilliant chunky bassline and insanely punchy guitar tones being achieved right there onstage. Also, Ash Wilson was singing back up vocals, and sounded great on the harmonies next to Henry Cox. Then there were the classics, tracks we all know and love from their earlier records - which I can now say confidently that you really need to experience sung along by a two-thousand strong crowd. Songs like Bad Machine and England's Dreaming were insane, played to within an inch of their lives and had everyone singing along. It was truly a special experience, compounded by the fact this band deserved every single second of the stardom and hype. Here are some pictures I took from my view at the venue during their amazing set:
Overall
By the sounds of things, Boston Manor might not be playing headline shows in the UK for a little bit - they're treading the boards in Europe next, and after that who knows where they might end up. For me, this tour came at the perfect time, off the back of an exceptional record, and it was an absolute treat to be there to experience this performance - not only because of it's epic material, but also the massive step in the band's own growth. I feel incredibly lucky to have seen them at this point in their careers, and hope after a long deserved rest, they come back to doing what they do best - making brilliant music, and turning that into more brilliant shows.
Rating: 10/10
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