Gustaffson - Night and Day, Manchester, 21/1/2024

by Amanda J. Window

published: 8 / 3 / 2024

Gustaffson - Night and Day, Manchester, 21/1/2024

Amanda J Window watches and photographs Liverpool band Gustaffson play a blinder on a cold night in Manchester.

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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