Nothing But Thieves play Manchester Academy 3 tonight, this small room at the top of a student union is sold out, packed with fans to see these boys play some tunes. Their debut self-titled album has gone to number 7 in the chart, and right to the top of the vinyl chart – an extremely impressive feat for a debut record.
I walk in, feel the moist air and take off my jacket – it’s going to be a warm night. Support band Pretty Vicious are already rocking out. With the looks of a cool ass pop band in a Disney film, but with the sound of a raging bull on guitars that’s heavily influenced by Green Day, these boys have already captivated the crowd. ‘National Plastics’ is immediately a hit, Brad yells out “you’ll always be, you’ll always be!” with the perfect gruff tortured scream that isn’t the heavy metal act Cradle of Filth playing downstairs. Their fuzzy guitars and clashing cymbals are superbly masterful and matching with Brad’s vocal; I think these boys have gained a fair few new fans tonight.
The crowd is squeezed in tight for the headline act. Nothing But Thieves enter to tumultuous applause and squealing whistles. The band has an atmosphere around them, almost an aura they emit of sheer confidence and bliss. To some it may appear perhaps a little egocentric, but in reality Conor is simply a self-assured and impressive frontman. He shouts “Hello Manchester!” mid song, and the kids go wild. ‘Hostage’ shows off his incredible vocal range, whilst ‘Graveyard Whistling’ demonstrates the rest of the bands excellent ability.
The tracks relaxed beginning is not a sign for what is to come, as soon as the chorus crashes in the crowd are clapping along with no prompt from the band themselves. “Let it take you under, feel your worries disappear”, Conor barely has to sing his own lyrics with the strength of volume coming from each member of the audience. Not all songs hit the spot, some of the slower ones I swear are simply remastered Coldplay B-sides. All in all, if you’re a fan of Muse and the music that Radio X churns out on the regular it’s likely Nothing But Thieves will be a welcome addition to your ear canal, and they play a great live show.
Elli Brazzill
@littlelionelli
Elli Brazzill
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