MUSIC IN MANCHESTER

More Stuffy Here

http://stuffyandthefuses.net

Ac & Acoustic (I'm not allowed to reveal Colin & Noel's identity) have been promoting this event for longer than they need reminding of, but another "Sold Out" show displays the enduring affection that this occasion holds.

Sold out is possibly the wrong terminology, because there seems to be as many people coming in the side door, as there are through the "official" back door, but punters do want to see and hear the bands on show, even if they may go "Stuff and the who?", but more of that later

Local 3 piece, The Forest manoeuvre their way through the crowd to the little corner of the basement room that has been designated as the stage. Youthful exuberance means that everything and anything can go into the set, even if quality control could be improved. So we can get abrupt, raw, 30 second songs that have finished before you get served, and longer, more though out and developed pieces that elicit appreciative applause from the audience

It's difficulty to tell who is the most bemused - the Stuffy and the Fuses or the crowd. Earlier in their week, Stuffy admitted to not knowing where the place was, or even what it was like, (the Gardens, not Manchester), but a willingness to take on the unknown can get the adrenalin flowing, and before too long Stuffy has left the drum kit behind and is wandering with mic. out into the intimate surroundings to generate some authentic audience participation, and the efforts are acknowledged.

Hailing from London, but linked with Leeds based Wrath Records, the Stuffies have drummer Mr. Stuffy (I know that because he is wearing a shirt with "I'm Stuffy" on) in a prominent (as much as the limited space will allow) position at the front, but luckily enough, the sprit of Cozy Powell (ask your dad) does not linger on.

Using the harmonies of Jen (guitar) the resultant sound is almost reminiscent of a poppier version of the B52's, all the songs hewn from a fast, rocking beat. Conscious of allowing drums to dominate the sounds, it's merely used as an ingredient that will help get the crowd dancing and moving to their feel happy beat, which they successfully manage.

Tonight is probably equal parts anarchy and enjoyment,

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