Manchester Orchestra, Duchess 2009

The night commenced with so much dancing

Dave, Andy Hull (Manchester Orchestra) and Me

Manchester Orchestra at the Duchess 30/10/2009

Andy Hull, Manchester Orchestra

This had to be great, it just had to be. I had seen them twice before seeing them in York. Both times were at the Leeds Festival, in 2007 and this years festival.

2007's performance was alone, one of the greatest performances I have ever seen. Only catching three or four songs but the intensity was just incredible. When they performed final song of the set 'Where Have You Been?', the mic stands were kicked down and Jesse Lacey joined them on-stage. It still gives me gooe bumps to this day.

So this year I was more than a little excited about seeing them. The entire setlist consisted of new material from their 2009 album. Although it was cut short due to the nob-cheese of a roadie that decided not to take a tuner. Still great though.

I needed their performance in York to blow me away as it could be the last time I see them in a long time. It, for one, gave me a good platform to gather some comrades and attack the show in style. The support act wasn't announced until the night before and it turned out to Right Away, Great Captain! which is a side project for singer Andy Hull. Sadly I missed this due to hunger issues and this is where the 'Time Theory' comes into play.

We arrived at the Duchess and I could feel that they would be on very shortly. No beer for me, I want to be involved in this. It was an almost sell-out. I am just glad it wasn't empty which had been the case on quite a few occasions at Fibbers and The Duchess. Andy Hull was clearly humbled by the amount of people that showed and promised to play in York again.

Shake It Out, I've Got Friends, 100 Dollars and Everything To Nothing were all played and were sensational. Prior to the gig I was becoming obsessed with their song 'I Can Barley Breathe' and to my suprise it was played. It was mind blowing and the lyrics resonated through the crowd.

'Where Have You Been?' was played to my delight.

Their last song was the epic 'I Can Feel A Hot One' with only Andy Hull and guitarist Andy McDowell on-stage, 'I Can...' was played at a slower tempo and all for the better. Andy took his time as if he wanted this to last forever and which was my only wish for the gig. As the song nears the end and Andy sings "...and I felt love again, ba da da da da...", he takes off his guitar, waves to the crowd, the crowd cheer and I have witnessed one of the most sensational, touching and FUCKING kick ass shows of my life.

I sweated tonight and the sweat dripping from my face is real...how can you question that?

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

10/11/2009