Masked Intruder

Manchester's Dry Bar is at full capacity tonight for day 2 of 'Manchfester', and already today there have been 11 bands hitting the stage, including a plethora of British talent, such as Bangers, Throwing Stuff, Apologies I Have None, and Gnarwolves. In addition, people who attended the venue early were treated to a surprise guest slot by Aussie punks The Smith Street Band, who are in the UK in support of The Menzingers.

However, the headliners tonight are Masked Intruder; four melodious felons who come to the stage with colour coordinated balaclavas and converse shoes. If you haven't heard of them by now and you like your punk doused in pop with a sprinking of Ramones and The Queers, you need to check them out. Even if you don't particularly like bubblegum/pop punk, they'll soon be your guilty pleasure.

Masked Intruder's gimmick is simple; dress and act like hardened criminals and juxtapose this with singing about girls, broken hearts and all things love. It works a treat, and their debut self-titled album is testimony to this having received high acclaim from a score of established critics. The band have recently released their second album 'M.I' on Fat Wreck Chords, which continues the schtick in an equally polished and impressive style.

They open up with 'Stick 'Em Up' which promptly sets the tone for the rest of the night. The crowd are in a party mood and are practically bouncing off the walls. There are plenty of doo-wops, hand-claps and finger-clicks (especially during 'Wish You Were Mine'); catchy choruses and singalong gang vocals for everyone to enjoy. It all adds to the joyous atmosphere.

The first 4 songs played are all taken from the debut album, followed by a stint of newer songs including 'I Fought The Law'' and 'The Most Beautiful Girl'. Comedy value is added by a Masked Intruder roadie who has come dressed as a police officer (introduced to the crowd as Officer Bradford) and is entertaining the crowd by thwarting them (and the band members) over the heads with a plastic truncheon, whilst stage-diving and crowd-surfing during the songs. The crowd are encouraged to welcome Officer Bradford to the UK with a middle-finger salute "this is how we say hi to the cops back home" remarks singer Intruder Blue.

Blue then announces that they will play an "obscure 90's song" which turns out to be NOFX's classic 'Linoleum', and is played at a frantic pace. It adds to the fervour and enthusiasm already set by them.

Before playing 'Heart Shaped Guitar', 3 female members of the crowd are invited on stage to sing the female parts of the song.

A short 45 minute set flies by in no time, which is testament to how good Masked Intruder have been tonight. The crowd are left grinning from ear to ear. It's been a long day, but definitely worth it.

Masked Intruder are a band that are consistently raising the bar in terms of both their musical prowess and their live performances.

In a nutshell - it would have been a crime to have missed this one.

FUTURE GIGS

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