 | | Kosheen |
However, they have been a bit on the quiet side of late and their new album release is being continuously delayed (it’s all down to "bureaucracy" apparently). As a result, it’s a small crowd at the Academy 3, but if Manchester’s reaction and enthusiasm is anything to go by, Kosheen best pull their socks up and get that album out as there is a strong fan base waiting for some new material. The pulling-up of socks is something that support The Vincent Black Shadow could do with thinking about. Lead singer Cassandra approached the stage with an uninterested, bored expression as if the whole thing was beneath her, and while the songs were well played and sung perfectly, it was hard to differentiate between the tracks and throughout their half-hour set, it felt like we were waiting for something different, something to get them going.  | | The Vincent Black Shadow |
As soon as Kosheen’s Sian Evans starts to sing though, all that and her own band’s absence melts away as their twisted dance-rock-drum’n’bass sound transforms the crowd into a sea of messy arms and legs twisting, contorting and jumping all over the place. Opener Damage could be mistaken for something off a Massive Attack set–list, such is its depth and its bass line sets the tone for the night. Suitably laidback, Evans then describes the crowd’s reaction to Catch as “lovely”, seeming genuinely grateful for the energy of the crowd to feed off. Things get a bit crazy as Slip’n’Slide kicks in and it is safe to say there isn’t a person in sight, who isn’t busting their best moves - or at least trying to. As they move their way effortlessly yet passionately through Hungry, Looking At You, All In My Head and latest single, the catchy but not cheesy Over Now, they hold the crowd’s attention every step of the way. Had they already released the album, they could have filled this venue twice over. As it is, those present tonight simply settled for making the roar for an encore rumble throughout the building. | 
