Affleck’s Palace / Rescue Rooms / Nottingham
The first time round, the 90’s Manchester scene was not my thing. Apart from the Smiths, the whole Happy Mondays vibe didn’t grab my attention. But as I’ve got older (there has to be a plus side eh ?!) I’ve become much more open to a wider range of music. Affleck’s Palace came highly recommended by a friend so I had high hopes for tonight.
First up we had Vega Rally. I was expecting a band (or at least a duo) but a young solo artist took to the stage, armed with guitar and what looked like Novation Launchpad (or similar and Korg Khaos pad). I have to say, for a self proclaimed young lad just ‘writing tunes in his bedroom’ Vega Rally was really really good. With the laptop and pads running some excellent beats, his guitar and vocals created a much wider sound than you’d expect from one musician. Vega Rally performed his most recent single Infinity’93 and also Come Out ‘n Play. The crowd are really getting into the beats and the sound although unique certainly has that Happy Mondays / Oasis vibe to it.
I have to say, I really liked the set and the songs are pretty infections to be honest. Influenced by the likes of The Charlatans et al, Vega Rally has a sound of his own and it goes down real well with the crowd. A real talent, and a great start to the evenings entertainment.
The crowd is getting larger now and we head into the set from Pastel. The 5 piece band from Swansea are on the rise and earlier this summer supported Liam Gallagher !
Singer Jack Yates has a great stage presence, clutching the mike in both hands, holding it close, his curly locks obscuring his face, creating a moody style alongside the vocal delivery.
The set includes Run Rabbit Run which is driven by a fantastic powerful bass line. Not so Happy Mondays, they have a more edgy feel to them, something along the lines of The Verve, full of attitude and presence with lyrics such as “You know anything goes, when it comes to breaking the mould”.
Recent single Escape was perhaps my favourite track, with a wonderful sliding guitar sound . We also have their latest release Isaiah which has an almost shimmering feel to the guitar parts and laid back vocals. The result has an almost dream-like hypnotic tone to it. Outstanding !
Deeper Than Holy, released in 2021 continues that hypnotic feel, the powerful vocals taking centre stage. The set builds to a crescendo of noise and Jack literally puts on his coat as the guys swagger off stage, job done.
I have to say, Pastel were excellent tonight. They have a solid sound and the joint was rocking…. I look forward to seeing them again soon.
The place is full now, and the atmosphere is building. The temperature is literally rising in the Rescue Rooms, as Affleck’s Palace take to the stage, named after the famous Manchester market situated at 52 Church Street and heavily influenced by the psychedelic Manchester sound, in particular The Stone Roses and the Smiths. J (James) Fender takes centre stage in t-shirt and bucket hat, and shorts (top idea tonight !) and is joined by guitarist Dan Stapleton, bassist Pete Darling and drummer Pete Redshaw. Most of the set tonight comes from their latest album “What Do You Mean Its Not Raining” released in 2021, with a couple of other, and new tracks thrown in along the way.
The set kicks off with my favourite Affleck’s Palace track This City Is Burning Alive which epitomises that late 80’s / early 90’s influence hypnotic tone and chant like chorus.
Followed by Carpe Diem with its towering riffs and heavy bass line, it’s full of power and energy. The tone is set and the capacity crowd are dancing away already.
Fender tells us a tale of a night out and a potentially difficult interaction with a group of guys, which is the inspiration for new track, planned for the next album, I’m So Glad You’re on Ecstasy.
We get a brilliant funky cover of Fat By Slim track Praise You which changes things up mid way through the set and gets a raucous reception from the crowd.
We Can Be The Avalanche hits us with a powerful bass line that drives right through the track, supported by a great drumline with loud clear snare hits pounding out the beat. Fantastic ! As the set draws to a close, we have Pink Skies, with it’s crisp clear guitar tones and laid back vocals, it’s a great track that kind of drifts over you in waves and you can’t help moving to it.
The final track of the night is Forever Young, their first single release back in 2019 but also in the debut album. With it’s guitar riffs building, it has a nostalgic Manchester feel to it. The vocals are outstanding delivering the hauntingly beautiful lyrics exceptionally “Shall we go…. To the waters edge, where we can throw ourselves into the deepest blue, from up high. Say you’re spending the night time with me, we’ll die in each others arms”.
By the end of the night, I’m literally dripping…. It got so hot in the Rescue Rooms, both from the weather, but from the large crowd bouncing around. I have to say, 90’s Manchester scene is still not my main thing, but I had a thoroughly good night. All three bands were excellent and although influenced by the Manchester scene in different ways, they each had an identity of heir own. Cracking stuff.
Set List
This City is Burning Alive
Carpe Diem
Spinner (This Must Be Love)
Calling All Cars
I’m So Glad You’re On Ecstasy
Accelerator
Hello, Is Anyone Awake?
We Can Be The Avalanche
Praise You (Fat Boy Slim cover)
Ripley Jean
Pink Skies
Forever Young
