MUSIC IN MANCHESTER
	(Manchester Bands Section)
	Oceansize Jabez Clegg 24/1/1

There's an air of expectation amongst the healthily sized crowd. 3 bands. Fury161, Oceansize and Moco on the same bill is mouth watering enough, but free admission as well? A big thank you to the organizers and can you do a similar thing next week? If this type of crowd keeps coming why they may even be able to supplement the two overworked staff with another person

Over three months since they last played together, and with only a single song sound check, Fury161 could be forgiven if they weren't quite firing on all guns, but that's not the case tonight. They're quickly into their groove, leaving the feeling that they might not develop their potential if, because of geographical reasons, they will have to change the line up

Hopefully Oceansize will shortly stop being one of Manchester's best kept secrets, their blend of gut wrenched guitar histrionics, attention grabbing and satisfying

Mike Vannert, wrapped around his guitar as if it is melded to his body seemingly wrenching every note, wringing the guitar until it pleads for mercy, unable to sate the sound that seemingly rings around his head, trying to escape free for us to hear. The resultant sound emanating from the band, almost visceral in nature but not threatening, more enticing.

Come into the world of Oceansize

Laydeezzz & Gentlemeeeen. Tonight, for one night only, I am pleased to present an act that makes F T Barnum look like a wheelchair bound pensioner. Yes siree, no stage is big enough, no bar space inaccessible, no punter more than 3 gigantic strides away from being offered a chance with the microphone. He's behind you. He's in front of you. He's around you, his wracked body spinning around, attempting to convert you to the world of Moco

The latest in audience participation is demonstrated for our viewing; grab a full length equipment case on castors, such as those used to transport amplifiers. Add on top one man plus microphone. Acquire a few members on the crowd and gently spin aforementioned vocalist plus case to all 4 corners of the room for about 2 minutes. Speed up the music, spin faster, then get ready to move onto the next song

But that's the spectacle, what about the aural? Does the visual distract from the aural? Well it's a driving raucous type of rock and roll that live, provides a fitting backdrop for the main entertainment.

It's fast and loud that seemingly tinged with blues influences, possible early Stones,full of life and genuine enthusiasm that lets Rigby catch his breath whilst they take a turn to power this octane fueled show onwards

Overall the combination of a man possessed in his attempts to express himself though his music with background sounds is attention compulsive viewing and enjoyable, but there's a nagging feeling.

If they are to move on to wider acclaim, then the ace tune, the killer riff (sorry, can't think of any more cliches) needs to make it appearance on the stage shortly alongside the undoubted stage presence Moco. Lets hope it's not too long

  

Contact details  www.sizeofoanocean.com

For a different review of this gig see 

 

Manchester  Bands	A-D	E-H	I-L	M-P	Q-T	U-Z
All bands	A-D	E-H	I-L	M-P	Q-T	U-Z

Back to Home Page