It’s a bold statement of intent and you can't fault them for ambition, but despite an impassioned and energetic performance from Walsh in particular, there’s still an argument to say that the band haven't yet topped the quality of their debut album. Alcoholic, described as the song “all the taxi drivers know”, was heartily received, while Poor Misguided Fool, also from the debut, Love is Here, proved a real favourite from its instantly recognisable opening chords. Recent album On The Outside, released to a mixed critical response, made the majority of the set and in This Time and In The Crossfire, it has two songs that lend themselves to trademark singalongs. Surprisingly, the mammoth Jeremiah never made the setlist, which was a real shame given that it is many people’s choice as the best song on the album. Most surprising, though, was the extent to which their underrated album, Silence Is Easy, was ignored. Only Four To The Floor, surely an uplifting staple of their set for years to come, and the title track got an airing. Indeed, Silence Is Easy was the glorious ending that every band aims to complete sets with. Incorporating The Verve's Lucky Man halfway through an extended version, the song was slowed down towards its conclusion, the fans taking over the vocals, before a riotous, squalling, screaming ending. The encore, Good Souls, got a similar treatment, this time with the Roses’ I Am The Resurrection. There were a few songs that don't match these high standards, stand up Faith Hope Love and In My Blood, and the overriding impression was of an accomplished set with moments of magic that needs more anthems for Starsailor to join the list of Manchester's finest. |
