Art Brut Gig Review – Manchester Academy 3

Art Brut are one of those bands that remain an obscure secret to many people. When I told friends I was going to the band’s gig at Manchester Academy 3 tonight (April 27) I was mostly met with shrugs of the shoulders and the arching of eyebrows.

Once you hear of Art Brut and listen to a few of their tunes, they then become one of those bands you either love or hate – there’s no middle-ground whatsoever. Luckily, for someone who paid to go and see them play live, I’m in the former camp.

I first heard of Art Brut way back in 2004 when Formed a Band was released and the group were mentioned in the NME. But it wasn’t until I saw them support Maximo Park in 2007 that I fell in love with them. And this from a man who usually hates support acts.

Since then, Art Brut have released two further albums to follow up their debut, Bang Bang Rock & Roll. I reviewed It’s a Bit Complicated in the early days of Brit Music Scene and plan to review new album, Art Brut vs. Satan, soon.

Tonight saw them play Manchester Academy 3 as part of their current UK tour. This was the first time I’d seen them as the main band and they did not disappoint. They played a raucous 70-minute set which included many gems from their back catalog as well as many from Art Brut vs. Satan.

If you want to see a band recreate their albums note for note on stage then don’t go to an Art Brut gig. The level of improvisation on display is astounding, particularly from the front-man-who-looks-more-like-he-should-be-serving-the-beers Eddie Argos.

In a small venue such as this the amount of noise created by the five members of the group is astounding. The drummer leads the charge, ably assisted by probably the best lady-bassist I’ve ever heard and two brilliant guitarists.

But it’s singer Eddie Argos who truly makes the show what it is. He speaks to the crowd between every song, changes the words so they fit the mood and generally creates an atmosphere unlike any I’ve ever experienced.

They missed off a couple of songs I was desperate to hear – Formed a Band and Moving To L.A., and the one-song encore just wasn’t enough for my liking. But these are minor grievances and testament to the fact I enjoyed the gig and just wanted more of it.

I’d recommend Art Brut live to anyone who has ever heard and liked one of the band’s songs. I’d also recommend them to anyone who wants to see music played the right way – with energy and innovation seeping out of every note.

[Photo Source: Newscom]