PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
The trains to Manchester are rammed, Manchester is rammed, Christmas shopping is well under way… but not for me. Today is a nice little post-rock festival at 33 Oldham Street. I’ve seen all the bands before that are playing today so this is post-rock love fest for me with some great music for the soul.
Dutch Elm start off proceedings, voice snippets from Oliver “please sir, can I have some… more” seemed a little unusual but worked brilliantly. Their mathy post-rock sound is at times a little jarring but what a great start to the day. I need to become more familiar with their music, I’ll be heading to Bandcamp when I get home.
Dutch Elm’s Bandcamp
Dutch Elm’s Facebook
More Dutch Elm photos here
It adds to the interest when bands have flexible lineups, and today Maebe have 3 guitarists on stage (last time I saw them I am sure it was one). The band cut it fine, arriving about 10 minutes before their set time but if nerves were more than a bit frazzled it doesn’t show. Having the extra guitarists certainly added breadth and colour to the sound especially on Harsh Realms as Maebe’s sound crosses from mathrock to prog to postrock. Same with Tautology which moves from light to shade, and Rebirth has, to my ears, quite a Polyphia vibe going on, whilst Malaise is quite a journey with an infectious bass riff and groove. Stunning stuff and very moreish.
Maebe’s Bandcamp
Maebe’s Facebook
More Maebe photos here
“We’ve got to follow that” New Ghost’s bassist says to me after Maebe’s set. Fortunately for them, their style is very different so no comparisons are necessary. They are a band that is difficult to categorise, with a sound that is more akin to post-punk than post-rock, there is most definitely an alt-grunge thing going on too. Also, New Ghost are the only band to feature singing today which certainly sets them apart, even if said vocals are a little low in the mix for the first half of the set. Even with the occasional gutteral vocals I enjoyed their set.
New Ghost’s Bandcamp
New Ghost’s Facebook
More New Ghost photos here
Akari’s organisers Civil Service are up next and there is a slight delay due to some technical difficulties but once they start it is a seriously impressive performance. Once more it is classic postrock with a some very impressive projections to go with the music.
She Would Never Retreat; Their Negativity Just Made Her Stronger is utterly brilliant. Guitarist Alex later was gutted that they played it all wrong, but no-one noticed and I suggested today was the ‘jazz version’. Lines of Communication, Severed has postpunk undertones flowing through it with its monotone bass lines and underlying synth yet it sounds beefy.
“The next song is c flat, g flat, d… “ an interesting introduction to an ethereal sounding piece. Last song is a 2 parter, “She Felt The Yawning Skyline: Meaningless”, starting off with a slow postpunk riff before developing into a melodic postrock groove, carefully executed with negative projections of buildings behind them which works perfectly. Overall a classy performance.
Civil Service’s Bandcamp
Civil Service’s Facebook
More Civil Service photos here
Moutainscape bring on the heavy riffs… lots and lots of heavy riffs. From the start of Atoms Unfurling to the end of Patterns it’s very heavy, uncompromising post-metal with black-metal and ambient sounds thrown in for good measure too; overall it is very cinematic. They have drawn a big crowd too, heads all nodding in unison and big smiles on everyone at the end of their set.
Mountainscape’s Bandcamp
Mountainscape’s Facebook
More Mountainscape photos here
For me, LOE (Last of Eden) are the big draw, I’ve been a fan since I was first asked to go and see them way back in Spring 2022 when I was blown away.
Technical problems delayed the start slightly but again no one is complaining. Once they start we are being treated to a postrock masterclass with visuals to match. The set is evenly balanced between newer pieces and those from their debut album. People Like Them is utterly stunning, the visuals working so well with the music. People Power is the gift that keeps on giving, an oldie but still sounds fresh complete with John Lennon sound bites. The band end their set with Monsters and again the visuals are perfect for the music. Wow, this is one of the best shows I’ve seen them do!
More LoE photos here
What a series of performances, what a day! All the bands are outstanding and a big thank you to Civil Service for organising such a fantastic day.
Will there be an Akari Festival 2025? Apparently there is a distinct possibility, let us wait and see!
