Reviews

Tonight, Turin Brakes exuded this power. Gloves off, voices soaring, hearts glowing. This is live music as it should be. No comparisons to "the next" whoever or "a mixture of" whatever and whoever; just pure, unadulterated, unashamed uplift.

Turin Brakes (c) Andy Stubbs

The 'Brakes have been creating music together for over eight years, and new album Dark on Fire indicates that they have nowhere near exhausted their songwriting partnership. New tracks from said recording shone vigorously, the title track and kick starter Last Chance being of particular poignant notability. The real pleasure of tonight, however, came from the sheer 'liveness' of it all.

I adore the excitement and energy exchange of live performances. One gig is never identical to another, and it is this uniqueness that hallmarks memories. Tonight, there was not only a marriage proposal (shimmering with warm support and applause from the ecstatic crowd), but also near-deafening singalong action.

Most memorably, it was glaringly obvious that the genuine thrill of the experience registered with the band. Near the end of the set, Olly remarked that he was usually "**** scared" to play Manchester, and thanked the crowd for their support. Come the second encore, the band were bowing, open-mouthed, visibly humbled and grinning.

I hope Turin Brakes found it hard to sleep after the gig. I hope they felt inspired, invigorated and valued. Tonight highlighted that the power is firmly in the hands of the people: once an audience abandons their inhibitions and immerses themselves in what is happening, the performers absorb this positivity and true ephemeral magic happens. It’s just a shame if you weren't there to feel it.