Manchester Academy 5/11/11
Support: Page 44, Canterbury, We Are The Ocean.
There is a sense of anticipation for the events to come. kick-starting the night are Brummie rockers Page 44. It's almost unheard of the first band coming on-stage before everyone is even inside the venue. However this tour page 44 have nothing to complain about after all they're touring with The Blackout after winning a tough competition The Redbull bedroom Jam earlier on in the year. They pull off a great set and the smiles spreading across their faces show how happy they are to be there.
Canterbury keep everyone bouncing as the music proves to be catchy. Chorus lines prove popular and they leave the stage after a 20 minute set to make way for We Are The ocean, who are greeted by screams so loud the ceiling felt like it would fall. Having toured with The Blackout before they have a lot to live up to. Playing it safe with the new songs they add in the two old songs that made them the most famous. After playing an 8 song set the stage the crowd are slightly exhausted but only ready for more.
If there's one thing joint front-man Sean Smith can do it's talking and being extremely quick witted. forever taking the piss out of each other The Blackout come storming the stage to fans who look like sardines squashed in a can. circle pits open up from the start as the six piece rockers smash straight into This is our time.
Gavin Butler is Yin to Sean's Yang and together they form a balancing act. The screaming and melodic vocals bounce off each other as the set goes on. After following with a combination of new and old they finally come to a slow and start to really interact with the crowd. Half way through the set Sean and Gavin have a competition and let the fans sing You know You're Not Alone each half of the room singing each singers part. Throughout Said And Done Sean wants everyone in the room to do every dance possible demonstrating big fish little fish move. This dancing looks hilarious as people try to do 'the worm' while crowd surfing.
Nothing can be faulted throughout the gig and the encore proves nothing but a treat.The Pits open once more as The sextet put all the rage into the next two songs. Sean shows a sense of anger displaying his middle finger in the air. As the verse kicks in the crowd follow in unison. The lighting is up to scratch as the background of the Hope album cover flashes up with lyrics. Finishing with Higher And Higher Sean proves worthy of rap as he steps in Hyro Da Hero. The night ends on a high, support bands and the fans are thanked, the band then walk off stage leaving the room buzzing with energy.
