The first gig of the year is always the most welcome one, even when you have to head out in artic temperatures. I was introduced to Gustaffson by a friend in March 2023, when their single 'Northern Baby' came out. I had come across the names of Andrew Gower (lead singer) and David Gleave (Bass) – and David is even a fellow photographer in the music industry. The video for ‘Northern Baby’ was recorded at Blueprint Studios with Elbow and Craig Potter – and it definitely has a Northern feel to it. There’s a controversy still ongoing around a noise abatement notice having been served to the venue Night & Day, so it was great to be back in there watching a band perform on that iconic stage. For a grassroots venue it's probably the best one in Manchester with a history going back to its opening day back in 1991 in a rather shabby part of the city. Fast forward to 2024 and tonight the venue is full of people waiting for Gustaffson to take the stage and perform their biggest gig yet, having just finished record their debut album. Andrew Gower's voice is both recognisable and charismatic, singing songs from their first EP 'Jacaranda' and their latest release 'Flowers'. If you haven't heard, it will definitely make you shed a tear. Their song 'Champagne Socialist' gets a big cheer as the first notes were played - the crowd have obviously heard this one before and it's become a firm favourite amongst the band's fans. Andrew is very visual onstage, focusing with his mind, his hands reaching those higher notes. They closed with the record that put me on their fan list from the very start (you can watch 'Northern Baby' here: https://youtu.be/-529H1zv7HE?si=zd-xtMVzVwYAn4FV and I'm sure you'll be hooked!) This is definitely a band to watch out for. Incidentally, you might recognise Gower form his TV and film performances, particularly as Sansum in 'The Winter King' which was released on ITVX in December 2023, and bassist David Gleeve has a photo exhibition up at Central Library in Manchester – 'Rescued Time' will be displayed there until 31 March. Photos by Amanda J Window https://amandajwindow.wixsite.com
Also at Night and Day, Manchester
Band Links:-
https://gustaffson.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/gustaffsonmusic
https://twitter.com/thegustaffsons
Play in YouTube:-
Picture Gallery:-






intro
Amanda J Window watches and photographs Liverpool band Gustaffson play a blinder on a cold night in Manchester.
most viewed articles
current edition
Man From Delmonte - InterviewPennyblackmusic - Book of the Year Award 2024
Pennyblackmusic - Writers and Photographers' Albums of the Year 2024
Clive Langer - Interview
Johnnie Johnstone - Interview
Marianne Faithfull - Reflections
Laura Nyro - Profile
Vinyl Stories - Vinyl 2024
Johny Brown - Corpse Flower
Bob Dylan - A Complete Unknown
previous editions
Marianne Faithfull - InterviewHeavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EP
Michael Stuart Ware - Pegasus Epitaph: The Story of the Legendary Rock Group Love
Trudie Myerscough-Harris - Interview
Marianne Faithfull - Interview
Beautiful South - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Allan Clarke - Interview
Jimmy Nail - Interview
Sound - Interview with Bi Marshall Part 1
most viewed reviews
current edition
Ringo Starr - Look UpEmily Burns - Die Happy
Pixie Lott - Encino
Dusty Springfield - The BBC Sessions
Dorie Jackson - Stupid Says Run
Joan Armatrading - How Did This Happen and What Does It Mean?
Rosie Lowe - Lover, Other
Beabadoobee - This is How The World Moves
Oïmiakon - Comptoir Des Vanites
Unthanks - In Winter
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart