REVIEW: Fans get strange with Baby Strange at Jimmy’s

A Monday night is often perceived as a strange night for a gig. However, that didn’t stop crowds of fans piling into the small basement of Jimmy’s Bar in Manchester awaiting the return of Baby Strange.

Glaswegian 3-piece, Baby Strange, opened the start of Independent Venue week at what could be named as one of Manchester’s many hidden gems, Jimmy’s. Located in the midst of the infamous Northern quarter.

As with any intimate venue, the band took to the stage by a tight walk through the crowd. Weaving in and out of the fans that had squeezed into the tiny basement of this much loved bar. With a fleeting ‘hello’ to the crowd, Baby Strange kicked off the set with the heart-stomping Pure Evil. The heavy drum-beat of the song got the crowd into the swing of things and set them up for a high impact set.

The band immediately followed with the title track from their latest album, Want It Need It. A sinister bass-line over a fast paced drum beat starts the song, when climatically lead singer Johnny Madden’s vocals erupt into the lyrics “It’s alright, it’s okay. We’re not gonna make it anyway”.

The set transcends through new and old material, with tracks like Bring Me Down and VVV being played. Taking the audience on a journey of different tempos. However halfway through VVV the guitars became distorted and eventually the sound cut out. Fans looked around with questionable expressions amongst their faces. “What the fuck was that?” Johnny exclaimed. After a few fumbling seconds the band continued the track. This only proving that the band are true showmen, continuing the set as though nothing happened.

Various members of the crowd formed a circle pit as the chorus of Play Me was sung. Lyrics such as “We are not your friends. Play me till the end” riled the audience up. The band only encouraging them and their ferocious energy. Bodies bashed and tumbled around as the loud harsh anthem circled the room.

As the set drew to a close, the band changed it up and introduced a cover. Their regular choice of Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John was chosen. The band always provide a new type of energy to this infamous track. Their rough and ready vocals add a harsher edge to the song and each spectator sung along for the chorus.

Thanking the crowd, Baby Strange signed off with fan favourite, Pleasure City. The crowd jumped and cheered as this anthem explosively shook the room. Fans joined in for the chorus, with many dedicated members jumping on stage (shortly jumping back off, due to the small size of it).

The song finished and the band jumped off stage and proceeded to walk back through the crowd. No encores this time. But none were needed. The band had given a high impact set full of new and old material. What more could you want?

Yet again, Baby Strange proved to the crowds of Manchester that they are a force to be reckoned with. No doubt we’ll be seeing more of them in the future.