– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER –
So one of the many things I love about The Deaf Institute and why I think it’s one of Manchester’s best live venues is their conveniently placed seated area. Situated towards the back of the room in tiered blocks, it is perfect for those wanting to sit and enjoy a gig from a distance, or in my case, for those who feel beaten by the day and have little energy left to last a whole gig. It’s fair to say, I’m not feeling at most sprightly this evening but I’m feeling optimistic as I’m in one of my favourite places about to watch a band called ‘Pure Love’, so all can’t be that bad, right?
For those unaware, Pure Love consist of two friends, Frank and Jim, both tired of their roles playing in aggressive hardcore bands and wanting to make big, bold rock ‘n’ roll songs with the idea of trying to re-inject some positivity and fun back into their lives. A year on since they’re first show in London back on Valentine’s Day 2012, and the duo have released four well received singles, got onto the live circuit and recorded their debut album ‘Anthems’ which was finally released this week!
Having missed tonight’s openers The Vestals, I do make it in time to watch Turbogeist who make super tight, super catchy punk pop delivered with buckets of energy and conviction, which make them a promising proposition and an excellent warm up for what we’re about to witness.
Entering on stage with minimal fuss, it seems that Pure Love frontman’s day of being a angry punk frontman are long behind him as Frank politely greets the crowd with “Good evening ladies and gentlemen we’re Pure Love” before breaking into the fearsome rock ‘n’ roll swagger of ‘She’, which see’s guitarist Jim do a crowd surfing guitar solo mid song which helps to bring this polite crowd to life a bit. After the rousing pop chorus of ‘The Hits’, Frank launches himself into the audience as his band launch into current single ‘Beach Of Diamonds’ which sets the place alight with a mass sing a long and plenty of jumping about.
It’s taken them a few songs but Pure Love have managed to rile up the crowd and seem ready to tear the roof off as they rip through big swaggering ballads like ‘Anthem’ and ‘Burning Love’ as Frank and Jim jump around on top of the bar and jump in and out of the crowd like their lives depend on it.
Previous singles ‘Handsome Devils Club’ and ‘Bury My Bones’ spur huge crowd sing-alongs and the whole band seem overwhelmed by tonight’s response as Frank appears to be lost for words in-between songs in expressing his gratitude for everyone in attendance giving it their all!
For their finale, the whole band (including drummer with full kit) ascend into the crowd, playing their final tune ‘Riot Song’ from the centre of the room as the audience surround the band in a tight circle with half of the crowd on their friends shoulders screaming the songs catchy riff, it’s quite a spectacle to see and an awesome way to finish what has been an entertaining live show.
You can tell that the members of Pure Love come from the punk and hardcore world as they try put as much energy and passion into their performance and with an army of fan’s right behind tonight, it seems the start of something rather special for Pure Love.
I joined the Silent Radio family near the very start of my move to Manchester in 2012 and I'm still having the best time! During my stay here I've been in two noisy bands, had a not so noisy solo project, made a zine, started a blog and started a radio show. It's been productive to say the least and it's all been intersperse with a shit load of gig going and beer drinking. I would love it if you followed me on twitter @dr_brainless for excitable tweets about playing, watching and living new music.
