“Just to prep you, it will most likely be a departure from the norm in terms of genres” Rob advises me over Messenger, in reference to our upcoming adventure into Manchester. For we’re used to having our ears blasted and senses flattened by extreme metal acts including Marduk, Ingested, and Baest in our reviewing double act. Tonight, more of an alternative rock affair at Gullivers, nestled within the heart of Manchester’s bustling Northern Quarter on a school night. Only a two band line up, the first one is Ugly Club.

Ugly Club

“Do you ever feel judged for the way you look?” asks Ugly Club’s lead vocalist, Imogen. A question that resonates with the audience and illustrates the visceral hard hitting lyrics of the newly formed band (well, technically not a new band as the core of the group formed the fabric of the now folded Novustory). The band’s alternative rock stylings – ranging from an early 00s Paramore pop punk edge to a more in-your-face Rage Against The Machine vibe – resonates in different ways too. At one point, the whole room is dancing, swaying, and the floor in the upstairs venue bends and shakes under the masses of bodies bouncing up and down! The engagement was clear with others in attendance singing along to their instantly memorable and infectious choruses.

My only real critique is that the band’s guitarist and drummer energy don’t seem to match that of their enigmatic front woman, who reported suffering from anxiety! That and something just doesn’t click with no live bassist. Still, a solid opening set that got the crowd suitably primed and ready.

https://www.facebook.com/weareuglyclubofficial

Dead Posey

Second and final act, all the way from LA, it’s Dead Posey. It seems like the theme of the evening is strong female vocalists, and this time, it’s Danyell. She moves around the stage with an unrivalled confidence and swagger, effortlessly navigating the stage despite donning perhaps the most impractical platform boots, and demonstrating mobility I’m quite frankly jealous of. Jealous because I’m at an age where if I stand up ‘too quickly’ or bend over to tie my laces, it could be game over for me!

Jokes aside, the theatrics and stage presence is something else! Such an ability to engage with the audience so effortlessly and making them feel so included in the the show is an art form in itself! This includes inviting fans to sing into the mic and reaching out to hold their hands, but is perhaps best illustrated by an interaction with Kim. Poor Kim. A petite girl in the front singing her heart out to Dead Posey’s hits is summoned to the stage. She reluctantly obliges. Her night’s not over yet. NO! She’s then invited/peer-pressured into crowd-surfing! All in good spirits though, she obliges as a protecting horde of musos assemble to guide her through to the venue. Within seconds, her bodies is floating through Gullivers like a crisp packet caught in the wind, before being safely returned to the stage.

Danyell’s band members aren’t safe though either. No, there was still time to embarrass the band’s guitarist Tony and sing happy birthday to him! I haven’t even mentioned the music yet! Honestly, you will find yourself so engrossed in the theatrics that the music becomes secondary. Try to imagine the stoner and psychedelic elements of Kyuss and the raw grungy attitude of Nirvana topped with the vocal stylings of Lizzie Hale, and you’re kind of sort of nearly there.

“Can front of house turn the lights down so we can have a little séance?” asks Danyell. Not a question you’d ever hear uttered in any context, yet alone on a Wednesday in Manchester at an alternative rock gig! The confusion is real. Still, the lights went down, the smart phones were raised in the air, and the torches shone brightly, like fireflies in the depths of night illuminating the venue. Bizarre, but by god it’s fun!

Definitely one of the more unique experiences; one I won’t forget in a hurry!

Setlist:

Sorry I’m not Dead

Zombies

She Went Bad

Blue Monday

C.U.L.T.

Darkside AKA “Moonstruck Lunatics”

Scar

Russian Roulette

Parasite

Can’t Take Me Down

Welcome to the Nightmare

https://www.facebook.com/deadposey

So, was this a departure from my usual genre? Certainly.

Did I enjoy it? Definitely.

Would I see either band again? You betcha!

I knew nothing about either band prior to this night but was suitably entertained, demonstrating that it’s certainly worth straying from the comfortable path and trying something different once in a while.

Venue: https://www.facebook.com/GulliversNQ

Promoter: https://www.facebook.com/TapestryPromotions

Live Review by Oli Gonzalez

Photos by Rob Lindesay | Instagram: @rock.the.lens

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