Taking to the stage in war paint already running from the heat, the band took up their instruments, and after a brief build-up, tore into one of the most explosive and dynamic sets the stages of Manchester have seen in a very long time. From the synth-attack of You Are The One, through the Soulwax-esque dancefloor filler Le Disko, to the straight-up new-wave rocker Rainy Monday, Shiny Toy Guns tick the box of almost every major movement in alternative music since the 80’s. Often bands utilizing a predominantly electronica sound can appear cold and clinical onstage, but STG inject such intense passion into their live set, it really is a sight to behold. Any fears of a repetitive drum-machine underpinning all the songs were quickly shattered with drummer Mikey Martin abusing the skins like nothing I have ever seen before. The boy/girl vocals of Carah Faye and Gregori Chad sit perfectly together and shine on their solo parts, accompanied by Chad’s relentless attack of his guitar and Jeremy Dawson’s synth parts, which border on illegally filthy. Finishing with the lovely Sky Fell Over Me segueing into the monster Don’t Cry Out, the band momentarily leave the stage, only to be dragged back by impassioned pleas from the audience for more, and we are treated to a haunting rendition of album closer, Stripped. Expect the 50 here to be recorded as more with hindsight. With a sound that guarantees a platinum record and enough dirty electronica grooves to see them become the new darlings of the indie scene, Shiny Toy Guns have it made. Get your stories straight everybody. Get ready to swear you were there. | 
