Jeremy's Indie Music: Awolnation, Manchester Deaf Institute 15th September 2011 9.5/10

By the third song tonight there was carnage: a broken guitar string, a loose drum kit, and lead singer Aaron Bruno's microphone was held together with duct tape. The UK wasn't quite ready for the remarkable energy and commitment the group from Los Angeles put into their performance. This was Awolnation’s first visit to Manchester, and they put all their body and soul into making this a 'memorable evening' as Aaron’s said at the close. In fact, if you didn't have fun at this gig, there is little hope for you: it was impossible not to be drawn into the party atmosphere.

Megalithic Symphony is Awolnation's first album, but Aaron’s an experienced performer, having previously fronted Under The Influence of Giants and Hometown Hero. His charisma is the key to their live act: he was constantly dancing and moving, the crowd mimicking the moves he made on stage. I was reminded of John Gourley of Portugal The Man: not so much musically as in the energy and sense of unpredictability and danger in the performance. The audience were taking as many photographs of each other dancing as of the band: remarkably, the vibe in this small venue was reminiscent of the vast NME Tent at Reading Festival last month. There were plenty of fist pumps from Bruno and even head banging; it all felt so spontaneous and alive.

The music felt less polished and refined than on the album: sometimes Aaron’s singing could was strained, with an almost death metal shriek, but this just added to the feeling that nothing was being held back. There is undoubtedly strong inspiration from the 1950’s, but with elements of drum and bass, metal, hip hop and electronica. I was reminded of Nine Inch Nails too, but above Awolnation have grown into an amazing rock band. The venue's name is appropriate in the sense that the volume would indeed have been deafening without the benefit of earplugs. The bass was quite remarkable: the floor vibrated strongly and the sound waves could be felt by every molecule in my body.

Awolnation’s best known song is the single Sail, and as an example of glorious unpredictability of this set Aaron left the stage before the end, leaving the other two guitarists, drummer and keyboard player to continue without him. The closing Knights of Shame was the highlight of the 60 minute show, for the way in which it unites so many musical styles, and the extended jam session. Towards the end, at the point of a change of key, Aaron took the drums, still singing, a typically theatrical move. There's quite some variety between numbers, but it's held together with catchy hooks, upbeat lyrics and above all the rock aesthetic.

This was amongst my most memorable concert experiences, despite the exhaustion afterwards from all that dancing. I was at the front of a crowd of about one hundred people, reminded once again what a magical experience live music can be. Clearly, I won't hesitate to see Awolnation again at the first opportunity, but I doubt that they'll be too many more chances to hear them in such a small venue.

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