The Membranes Travel Through Time At Manchester's Deaf Institute

On the night of the 19th June, something very strange happened as I passed over the threshold of the concert hall at Manchester’s Deaf Institute. I didn’t realise it, but I stepped back in time by twenty five years. This was billed as the launch of The Membranes new album, but was much more than that.

A fantastic Line up which included Kill Pretty, Faerground Accident  and Evil Blizzard. All these bands should be seen in their own right, especially Faerground Accident who gave an awesome performance.

But tonight was all about  The Membranes. The launch of their first album for twenty five years ‘Dark Matter/Dark Energy’ (see album review on Subba-Cultcha) was the reason for the band to return to the stage. The album created a lot of interest and received rave reviews, but can they pull it off in a live setting? The short answer is yes.

The opener sets the tone. "Universe" is atmospheric and heavy, the backdrop projection showing looped footage of the solar system and animated discussion. Robb is playful throughout this performance, chatting to the audience at every opportunity.

Later in the set, freed from the shackles of the guitar, he takes to the audience for a wander, much to the delight of everyone concerned. For me, the highlight of the set is the magnificent "Space Junk". 'Twenty five years it was since our last album', Robb announced. ‘It will be another twenty five till the next. I’ll be seventy nine by then. Who’s coming to that launch party?’ Well John, on the basis that this was such a fabulous performance, count me in.

The encore came along without the band leaving the stage (Robb advising that he hates all that rock n roll crap) and included one of the bassists and the drummer from ‘Evil Blizzard’. Noise ensued, drumstick fights with the crowd and much mayhem later, it was all over.

What a night. You should have been there. There are more Membranes dates to come over the next couple of months. If you can get there, I would recommend that you do. I can’t promise the support bands from this show - that would be too much to bear. This was a special night and one that will stick in my memory for many years to come.

Lawrence's Interview with John pre-show can be found here

To visit The Membranes facebook account click here

Words by Lawrence Taylor/ Mark Eastwood

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