UNKLE - Academy 1 - 15/11/07 by Richard Graham

UNKLE were originally set up in 1994 by founding member James Lavelle and they were quickly classed as trip-hop. After a string of low-key releases Lavelle joined forces with DJ Shadow and they would together in 1998 release the critically acclaimed album Psyence fiction. Featuring a string of all-star guests including Thom Yorke and Richard Ashcroft the album took the music world by storm and was quickly classed as a classic.

Despite the success DJ Shadow left the group shortly after touring the album and it wasn’t until 2003 that Lavelle resurfaced (now with Richard File) and released the less successful album Never Never Land. Following the same format as the debut album it featured guests such as Ian Brown and Josh Homme. Despite being loved by both critics and music lovers alike the album was a commercial failure and Lavelle remained quiet until summer 2007 when he released UNKLE’s third album War Stories. Taking the album on tour for the first time with a full live band they played a series of shows and festivals around the world to rave reviews and included a stunning headlining slot in the dance tent at the Reading/Leeds festival.

Despite not being a sell-out gig a packed crowd had gathered in the newly refurbished Academy to welcome the tour to Manchester and it was clear from the excitement in the air that the room was filled with expectant fans. Having been classed as an audio visual extravaganza, nothing short of excellence would live up to the hype and as they took to the stage to an orchestral arrangement backed with the groups logo emblazoned on a video screen, it was clear that they might just have the ammunition to pull it off. Opening with a bang they started with a pounding version of Chemistry from their latest album and the rolling drums and heavy guitars were only matched in their intensity by the dazzling light show and the euphoric reaction of the crowd. The Academy, despite its great reputation, sometimes fails the groups with its acoustics but tonight this reviewer was battered with what Phil Spector would describe as a crystal clear ‘Wall of Sound’.

Without easing up the second track was no let down either with a blinding version of their latest single (Hold my Hand) and by the time the Ian Brown penned vocals to Reign kicked in for the third this reviewer knew it was going to be a gig to remember. Every song somehow seemed to take on the status of anthem and the adoring crowd lapped up the excellent visualisations and the sound of a band on-stage that knew exactly what they were doing. Launching quickly into the classic Lonely Soul it was hard to believe this anthem was released nearly ten years ago. Still sounding like it was released yesterday despite the fact it was performed without the guest vocalist (Richard Ashcroft) the crowd erupted in appreciation and as the band thanked the crowd it almost felt like a homecoming gig. Throughout the set the band very rarely let up with the three albums worth of material they had at their disposal and it was clear they should be playing far bigger venues than the Academy.

Fluctuating between dance, piano ballads and all out rock in the style and power of Muse the audience lapped it up and leading the crowd into their encore with a stunning version of In a State there was no doubt that the audience wanted them back on-stage. ‘We want more’ the crowd chanted without letting up and to their immense pleasure the band quickly walked back on stage. ‘We hope you have enjoyed yourself’ announced Lavelle, before looking at his group – ‘this band are fu*cking good’. The crowd cheered its approval prompting the group to perform the classic Rabbit in your Headlights before finishing with a storming version of the guitar dominated and fan favourite track Eye for an Eye. Leaving the stage to the sound of thunderous applause the lights flared one more time highlighting the smiling faces; this had been a hell of a performance.

Taking a full band on tour was a wise move as the sound they produced was incredible and that combined with a light show that literally burnt itself onto your eyes meant you couldn’t help but be enthralled. UNKLE put on superb show that wouldn’t have been out of place on a stage at Wembley and this reviewer urges fans of both dance and rock to check this band out if they come to a venue near you.