Live Review: Manchester Orchestra, Apes, Kevin Devine

Kevin Devine came on early to a full room. Almost by default, Manchester Orchestra fans move towards Devine, a small-scale harbour of similar passions.  A little hayfever was rarely noticeable through slender ballads, with Devine charming and humble. Andy Hull made an appearance on a Bad Books song, and Cotton Crush – with a singing crowd – was a precursor to the sort of attachment punters had to the headliner.

Melbourne’s Apes were on with heavy alt-rock breakdowns and a punchy rhythm section, though James Toohey’s leads were occasionally swallowed under the thumping. Turned up, early songs would've had extra bite and melody to take some second-hand garage-rock further. The back half was stronger, as the appreciative band really comes into their own. Pull the Trigger – with airplay off the back of a solid chorus and clear intent – is a highlight. They're tight and accomplished, and clearly working hard. Songs like this hint at a bright future. 

Top Notch, first cut from Cope, opens the set for Manchester Orchestra. Guitars sound huge, with current direction clearly eyeing the live show. It was physical. The rest of the set skipped through albums liberally. By the time Pensacola rolled around, the crowd was frenzied, the vocals were up a little, and the rhythm section was pummelling. Tracks were often stripped back in the first instance to allow for more cathartic ends.

Robert McDowell’s – and especially Hull’s – guitars were on point all show, navigating aggressive breaks and cool-torch moments with little tinkering. It’s evidence of their ten years spent together, and they’re ridiculously tight all evening. Hull twice expresses his gratitude for the fans taking that ride with them.

A long set means more than money’s worth for punters, and a surprise encore cover of the Fresh Prince Of Bel Air theme with Devine is revelled in. Heart-rending closer Where Have You Been? rounds out the night, and as the crowd are left to sing the ending, it’s evident how much this band still means to people.