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Biography
Guitarist and singer-songwriter, Andy Hull, founded the band during his school years. Having begrudgingly attended a small town Christian school throughout his younger years, Hull decided to study at home during his final senior year and it was during this time that he wrote the bands first unreleased album. The name Manchester Orchestra comes from the bands fondness of the music coming from the English city, with bands such as The Smiths and Joy Division, capturing Hull’s imagination.
After the release of their first EP in 2005, the band recorded and released their studio debut album in 2008, titled “I Feel Like A Virgin Losing A Child”. The dark and heavy indie tone of the album set the precedent for the Manchester Orchestra we know today. Ever since, the group have gone from strength to strength, with their follow up album (announced on MySpace), “Mean Everything To Nothing”, featuring international hit single “Shake It Out”.
Most recently, following a number of personnel changes the band released their fifth album, “Hope”. This album was an interesting project from Manchester Orchestra, as every track was an acoustic reimagining of the music featured on their previous album, 2013’s “Cope”.
The band has become known for the frequent filming of their exploits on tour and in the studio, something they have done since their early beginnings. The clips have been released in the form of video podcasts, with over 100 podcasts available for fans to download. As well as touring around the world, Manchester Orchestra have also performed on live TV shows, such as “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Some of their songs have been used to soundtrack TV dramas, as well as feature movies such as the Oscar winning “Dallas Buyers Club”.
Live reviews
Manchester Orchestra are one of those bands who you either love or… well, love! Their newest album, Cope is their heaviest and intense album to date, drawing from their raw energy from their root. These new tracks fit snugly between the soft melancholy songs the band is best known for.
You can expect to dance, jump and push each other around and get lost in their profound and sorrowful songs. The band have many loyal fans who hang on to every word the band say and often go as far as hushing the crowd in-between songs, even if they make the same jokes about being back in their pretend hometown, Manchester, every single time they play there.
The band are refreshingly honest. At one of their first UK shows in Manchester, the crowd were enthusiastic and clapped along to the songs. The lead singer, Andy Hull, asked fans not to as it actually messed up their timing. As venues they play get larger, that honesty still lingers on. They are there to play songs with passion and have some banter, not to force fans into a gimmicky and forced clap-along. This is refreshing as many bands try to get the crowd going, Manchester Orchestra let the music do the talking.
swissarmy
Indie rockers the Manchester Orchestra have gained a huge reputation globally since they first appeared in 2006 with the devastating 'I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child'. The reason the band seems to stand above the over saturated market of indie is their honest approach to songwriting and lyricism.
The way in which they perform ambient tracks such as 'Pale Black Eye' in a live setting really creates a three dimension effect to the music. The effect is often spine chilling as vocalist Andy Hull has a way to really make each note resonate with the crowd. The setlist is varied and includes music from all four albums to date, with new material including 'Top Notch' and 'Every Stone' going down very well with the receptive crowds.
By the final encore of 'The Only One' which begins with Andy completely acapella before his fellow musicians come in to add the percussive layers, the audience are equally captivated and impressed with this talented indie outfit.
sean-ward
Loud and proud. Outstanding set from Manchester Orchestra at Academy 2. Kicking off their UK tour in the city that gave them their name the five piece alt-rock group gave one of their best live performances to date. From the raw power of Shake it Out, which is only truly experienced in all its roof-blowing, frustration kicking, glory when played live, to the subtle and entrancing harmonies of The Maze, the group performed a good spread of their repertoire. Stage lit low, Andy Hull was silhouetted by darkness for most of the night, but as always his music and vocals do all the talking. This is shroud that gets better and better. More great things to come, loud yes, but great!
paul-arrowsmith
If you're a fan of this band and you haven't seen them live you're in for another phase of love with their music when you do. The fact that Andy and Robert have been friends most of their lives is apparent in their writing and performing. Do not miss a single chance to see them if they are in your area!
If you are a new fan of Manchester Orchestra, welcome. This band live is everything you want to have in a concert. They are talented, clean musicians and they depth of the songwriting is simply amazing! Keep exploring their catalog and we'll see you on the road!
kingpin025
Absolutely brilliant gig last night at Shepherd's Bush empire! These guys are what live music is all about: it completely transcends the recorded material which is already phenomenal. If ever they play a show in your town, make a point of being there! Belting out the final refrain from colly strings last night with the rest of the crowd will live long in my memory!
jtbrodie
Fantastic show! So good live. Very happy with seeing them. My wife never heard their music, which was surprising, but she enjoyed it as well. Keep it up Manchester!
If they are coming your way, see them live. Its just one of those bands. After all these years and they sounded phenomenal.
jdot1983
5 stars! Great live show! Amazing energy! Now I see why it was almost sold out!! Will def see them next time Im in town. .................................................. Cant wait to scoop up their other 5 albums and catch up on what Ive been missing.
graham-gibson
Manchester Orchestra is an amazing band. Their live performance was absolutely mind blowing. They have so much energy and talent, and their set list was really well chosen. Missing an opportunity to see this band would be a huge mistake.
Sade-T
Mind-blowing. Absolutely sensational performance, first time I've managed to see them and it massively exceeded my expectations. Every moment was fantastic. Atmosphere was great, energy was off the charts. Still buzzing now.
duggsy69
