photo credit: weworemasks

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Manchester Orchestra perform. The last time being in 2009, when myself and a few of my friends packed into Walters on Washington like sardines and enjoyed one of the hottest shows I have ever been to. This time, things were a little less grimy in climate, but Kevin Devine, his god damn band, Balance and Composure and the the grungy guitars from Manchester Orchestra’s latest, COPE, still carried us through Monday night’s show at the House of Blues.

Hit the jump for the review.

-grizzly


photo credit: weworemasks

“You can tell by how little we’re talking by how stoked we are to be playing this show,” Andy Hull, frontman of Manchester Orchestra said, four songs deep into the set. Hull and the rest of the band were in high spirits for the Houston show, whose fans may not have sold out the House of Blues, but who earnestly sang back every word that came from the stage.

For having just released their fourth studio album, COPE, just three weeks ago, it wasn’t until the set’s sixth song until Andy Hull and company showed it off. The set was heavy in their sophomore outing, Mean Everything to Nothing, which you won’t find me complaining about. The album translates very well live, especially with pulsating, punishing singalongs like “The River” and “Pride.” The latter track was thrown in very early, and had the makings of a set closer. The band’s energy throughout was relentless, and it wasn’t until right before “Cope” where Hull relayed his apologies (“Sorry, our guitars are a little loud”).

photo credit: weworemasks

Long time fans of the band were treated to what I thought was a rarity (having never heard it performed myself) in “Colly Strings.” Before the set, Hull joked, “This song is about my wife. She died. Just kidding!” An introduction like that is a stark contrast to the emotional weight of the track itself, and easing the tension might’ve been a great idea all along. All songs, both old and new, showcased minor tweaks and adjustments to be more appropriate for live settings, which is where the veteran touring act in Manchester Orchestra really shines.

This was a rock show from top to bottom, which is a breath of fresh air in today’s rock music climate, where the subgenres wittle down what we all truly love about the main one. Kevin Devine and his energetic Goddamn Band did a great job of warming the crowd up. Balance and Composure followed suit as direct support, as they ripped through songs from last year’s fantastic outing, The Things We Think We’re Missing. The entire lineup instilled fits of 90s nostalgia, when alternative rock was arguably at its peak. This tour’s just getting started, so try not to miss it when it comes to your city.

Check out the rest of the tour dates.

[SETLIST]

Manchester Orchestra

Shake It Out
Pensacola
Pale Black Eye
I Can Barely Breathe
Pride
The Ocean
100 Dollars
The Mansion
I’ve Got Friends
Colly Strings
Cope
Everything to Nothing
The River
The Party’s Over
(Willie Nelson cover)

Encore:

Top Notch
See It Again
Simple Math
The Only One

Balance and Composure

Tiny Raindrop
Keepsake
Quake
Reflection
When I Come Undone
Back of Your Head
Stonehands
Enemy
Notice Me

[ed note: Very bummed about missing most of Kevin’s set last night. Couldn’t get to the venue until 7:50 and was only able to catch the last two. Next time, KDev!]