Describe In Three Words: Class for masses.

Remarkable Moment: Nicky Wire sends splinters of his now rather ‘distressed’ bass flying when his instrument packs in midway through Motown Junk. He nonchalantly picks up another and barely misses a beat.

Crowd Reaction: The Manics seem to be on their fourth or fifth wind, tight as Nicky’s old spandex and still furious after all this time. There’s a respectful nod to the Holy Bible, but its mid-era Manics that draw the biggest wows. You Stole the Sun From My Heart is now a key live tune, and Design for Life is a great closer. Mostly the new material sounds fresh enough, but the band are savvy enough to know that especially at a festival, you gotta play the hits and they’ve got a serious arsenal.

EP Rating: 7.5