Before The Heartbreaks commandeered the stage we were introduced to Where's Strutter a four piece band from Manchester consisting of singer/guitarist, Paddy Neville, drummer Lee Broadbent, bassist Max Lees and lead guitarist Danny Green.
Bolton Lass, Jenny Shuttleworth, lead singer from Girl Peculiar, took us through her exciting set followed by solo singer Pierre Hall from 'Golden Glow'. Hall sang tracks from his forthcoming album 'Tender Is The Night' due out in June.
If you havent already been to the Ruby Lounge, it's small and dark and not the swankiest venue in town. The tiny stage is squashed into a far corner and the ceiling is low, low enough for the acts to be able to touch with their palms. Hence to say there were no energetic pogo-style dance activities taking place on this stage tonight. However, it's an intimate venue, you can clearly see the acts without needing a pair of binoculars, and it's not off the beaten track.
I have to say that after seeing The Heartbreaks a few times now that they are certainly gathering a huge fan base, just looking at how the Ruby Lounge was packed to the hilt awaiting their performance and that's not only in Manchester, where they are known, they have pulled big crowds across the UK on their recent tour.
Classically routed in 1980's Manchester, but refreshingly new and passionate about their music, the Morecambe four-piece kicked of their set with 'Winter Garden' followed by a new song 'Delay'. Kondras' lyrics sung to perfection by Whitehouse, swooning in his skinny trousers, trend-setting sleeves and carefully coiffured fringe.
Another oldie 'Save our Souls' got the crowd exited before they sang their newly released 'B'side 'Remorseful'. The crowd certainly seemed to engage with the lyrics of 'Liar, My Dear' as concert goers sang along to the familiar lines of the Morecambe weather playing havoc with your fringe and being a naughty boy.
Ryan Wallace put on another energetic performance on guitar and at one point I noticed black duck tape across the back of his instrument, evidence of a near 'Simonon' moment, whilst Deaks' expertly performed on bass then sprang into action for his solo piece on the final song 'I Didn't Think It Would Hurt To Think Of You', a truly heartfelt rendition of their classic track.
During the set The Heartbreaks played their new single 'Jealous, Don't You Know' (which was released on their own imprint Morecambe Rock on April 18th. ) A four minute re-mastered, grittier version of the earlier song, which sold out every copy of the 7" vinyl record at stores across town.
In between touring, the band have been in the studio with the highly acclaimed Edwyn Collins, they have played at the launch of Edun's menswear range at Milan fashion week and are currently recording their long awaited album in London and hope for an autumn release.
An un-typical guitar band, lyrically reminiscent of The Smiths, with a splash of Orange Juice and a twist of Girl Soul - The Heartbreaks have something new to offer the music scene. Arguably one of the best new bands of the moment. Whitehouse was recently described by Steve Lamacq as having the voice of an expelled angel, "The one kicked out into the wilderness, unloved but full of emotion."
If you haven't already seen them then, find yourself a ticket. You'll regret it if you don't.
Set List:
Winter Garden
Delay
Save Our Souls
Remorseful
Man Over Board
Liar, My Dear
Gorgeous
Jealous, Don't You Know
I Didn't Think It Would Hurt To Think Of You
article by: Amanda J Window
photos by: Amanda J Window
published: 04/05/2011 17:14
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.