Twilight Sad - Ruby Lounge, Manchester, 10/2/2012
by Dixie Ernill
published: 16 / 2 / 2012
intro
Dixie Ernill at the Ruby Lounge in Manchester watches Scottish alternative rockers the Twilight Sad play a compelling set to perform their just released third album, 'No One Can Ever Know'
Watching the Twilight Sad play live is always a challenging, if ultimately rewarding experience, such is the wall of sound, orchestrated by guitarist Andy MacFarlane, dueling with the vocal etchings of James Graham. Tonight there is the added ingredient of keyboards that coloured their recently released excellent third LP, 'No One Can Ever Know', giving proceedings a Depeche Mode feel. Despite the set being used to promote the aforementioned new LP, the guitar still dominates with a crunching 'Kill It in the Morning' opening the evening to great effect. Following the less brutal 'Don't Move', early single 'That Summer At Home I Had Become the Invisible Boy', so often a highlight, finds Graham's vocals slightly swamped in the sonic mix. Thankfully it is a minor blip as a fine 'Dead City' and intense 'I Became a Prostitute' are delivered to menacing effect. Current single 'Sick' and forthcoming single 'Another Bed' show a more melodic side to the band, but it is 'Cold Days From the Birdhouse' that, despite his prowling stage presence, reveals the singer to be as human as you or I when he is reduced to fits of laughter by the cry from a girl in the crowd of "I'll follow you, James" after he sings, "You won't follow me now." It's a wonderful moment. 'And She Would Darken the Memory', arguably one of the Twilight Sad's best songs, doesn't disappoint before the set is concluded with 'At the Burnside' from the band's second LP, 'Forget the Night Ahead'. The Twilight Sad are a thrilling live band. The only question that remains is why are they not playing bigger venues than this.
Picture Gallery:-
interviews |
Interview (2012) |
John Clarkson speaks to James Graham from brooding Scottish rock band the Twlight Sad about his band's post-punk influenced third album, No One Can Ever Know’ |
Interview (2008) |
live reviews |
Richmond Park, Glasgow, 30/8/2014 |
At the chaotic Last Big Weekend Festival in Glasgow, Tony Gaughan watches brooding Scottish post-rockers the Twilight Sad play a short but intense and brilliant gig |
Ruby Lounge, Manchester, 23/10/2009 |
Bongo Club, Edinburgh, 15/6/2008 |
Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, 29/11/2007 |
photography |
Photoscapes (2014) |
Darren Aston takes photographs of Scottish post-punk act the Twilight Sad at the East Village Arts Club in Liverpool |
reviews |
Forget the Night Ahead (2009) |
Dark and enigmatic, but evocative second album from much acclaimed Scottish-based post rockers, the Twilight Sad |
Here It Snowed. Afterwards It Did (2008) |
And She Would Darken the Memory (2007) |
Fourteen Autumns and Fifteen Winters (2007) |
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