I walk into Gorilla as support band Gallery Circus are already playing their first song, they’re hella loud and it’s hella sweaty. As a Newcastle alternative rock duo – who are twins – they’ve already got their USP sorted. Gallery Circus have proved to me that support bands don’t have to “suit” their headline band. Tonight, they support King Charles – indie folk and moustache champion – and the last time I saw them live they supported Newcastle fellows and even more mellow and indie friends, Little Comets.
Daniel and Graeme formed a band at an early age and this is where it’s all come to – playing Manchester’s Gorilla to a room full of couples on Valentine’s Day. Gallery Circus have an incredible knack for exciting rhythm and melody – the only key components you need to focus on when you’re solely guitar and drums – and they do it sublimely. Tracks ‘Hollywood Drip’ And ‘Supercell’ consist of proper rock melodies and complex drum rhythms to get your body moving and head spinning. Gra stands up for ultimate emphasis as Dan squeals out his incredible falsetto vocals to wow the crowd. These boys have got plenty more up their sleeve, there’s something different about these two. Whether it’s the dark mysterious intros or jazz-style chords I’m not quite sure, maybe it’s just the telepathic or at least genetic twin understanding that makes Gallery Circus so great.
The room is packed as the sounds of Vance Joy coming from the speakers dies away and the effervescent as ever King Charles leaps onto the stage to a great deal of applause. Immediately, I notice a change. There’s no moustache. The legendary tache has departed for album cycle two of the King Charles train and it’s disappointing, but I’ll have to move on. After a greeting to the crowd and a “Happy Valentine’s Day”, Charles states, “This is the first love song I ever wrote.” The rest of the night seems to follow in a chronological pathway, of every few songs Charles informing us this is the “second, third, fourth…” love song he ever wrote, very in-keeping with the holiday. The second being an incredibly lively performance of ‘Coco Chitty’ accompanied by some subtle pink lighting as the bass rumbles through the floor. Charles swoons and harks his romantic lyrics around the love-filled room: “I don’t need to see you to know how beautiful you are”.
We are treated to a selection of King Charles’ brand new songs from his upcoming album, which he finished one day before going on tour – he’s a seriously busy man. By the sound of it, his “difficult” second album isn’t going to be difficult at all. Charles retains the same level of brilliant song-writing and catchy, upbeat folk-inspired rhythms, but there’s certainly progression. Certainly, a lot of these new songs are heavier – unless this is just Charles’ live experience – but he rattles through classic-style guitar solos, interweaving with jaunty and refreshing melodies. Increased tempos and the incessant banging of the kick drum gives the audience constant incentive to clap along and enjoy participating in the show.
“Man, let’s have some fun now,” Charles exclaims and so we do. A slow, anticipatory and fuzz-filled intro leads into ‘Loveblood’ and immediately the room leaps into the air. It’s rare to see so many people jumping and dancing these days, but almost the entire room is. The atmosphere and happiness within the room is totally infectious, I can’t stop smiling. I smile even more as ‘Loveblood’ ends and a different riff begins. It’s one I immediately recognise but doubt myself, surely it can’t be. King Charles and band drum up a whole load of frenzy by starting up a cover of ‘You Can Call me Al’ by Paul Simon – one of my favourite songs – and when the room surely can’t get more thrilled it crashes into ‘Lady Percy’.
The fun and upbeat vibes are filling through the room and King Charles takes it all in his stride – an excellent frontman and performer – he struts around the stage without a care in the world, tugging at his silk lapels as though they just can’t contain him. King Charles blew me and the rest of Manchester away tonight, to say I’m excited for his new album would be an understatement.
Elli Brazzill
@littlelionelli
Elli Brazzill
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