MOVE - day 2

Day 2 of Manchester's urban festival and the sun was out if not the crowds.

The Bees were able to exploit the sun to their own ends. It formed a perfect backdrop to their feelgood, laid back, lazy sound. Minha bought puzzled faces trying to work out exactly what car it was used to advertise. Not such a marketing winner there then for Citroen.

Manchester's own Puressence were gratefully received by those that had turned out early to enjoy the whole day. The band appear on the verge of something, but appear to lack the final push.

It was another set of Manc lads who were to become the surprise hit of the day. Re-formed after several years in the wilderness, Inspiral Carpets prove they can still cut a rug. Tom Hingley, whilst having gained a few pounds, has lost nothing of his energy and enthusiasm, and Clint Boon has proved something of a local hero even during the non-carpet years. For a lot of the crowd it is as if they have never been away. Songs like the aptly titled Move being received with the same fervour as the obvious crowd pleasers like This is How It Feels.

It was surprise that a lot of the crowd didn't stay around to see Dave Gahan, obviously preferring to decant to Move's very own beach bar at the front of the stadium. Those that did stay appeared more interested in Gahan's foray into the Depeche Mode stuff rather than his solo material. All a bit of a shame for Mr Gahan, who gained full marks for effort.



Feeder are a band who can and do do very little wrong live. They have to be admired for the way they have risen above their own personal tragedy to produce a classic album in Comfort In Sound and climb a notch on the ladder to rock's echelons. Their supporters have obviously been with them all the way, There was just as much noisy acclamation for old standards such as Insomnia as there was for newer classics such a Just The Way Im Feeling. There wasn't anyone in the place not bouncing to the back to back pleasures of Buck Rogers and Just A Day. In summary Feeder had the crowd eating out their hands.



It was then left to wonder whether The Charlatans could produce a how with more heart than the Manics on the precious night. There were comparisons to be drawn. Like the Manics, they were drawing to a close a musical chapter. Tim Burgess was off to try a solo career which encompasses V festival as well as other things. Perhaps, this was what gave him the edge over James Dean Bradfield. For Burgess had lost none of the enthusiasm and the crowd still treat him as local despite his having decamped to Los Angeles.



As The Charlatans signed off in rebel rousing fashion another day in the life of Move had passed. Still not having drawn in the crowds in they would have liked, the organisers could be smug in the knowledge that that was all going to change tomorrow.

Latest Updates