REVIEW: Centre Excuse leave Sound Control wanting more

Centre Excuse‘s gig was so hot it could have melted the venue –Sound Control. It’s just a shame that the turn out wasn’t good enough for them to be appreciated.

From the first band to the last it was on-point, from lighting to sound and stage presence. They all had the full package.

Photo: Aga S?obodzian

First up was a local band called Dakota Avenue, who had a groovy, indie –rock sound, accompanied by a lush vocal tone from front man Jacob Greenhalgh-Lee. One of the best things about their music is that Jacob’s accent isn’t lost when he sings, which gives the songs character.

Most of the tracks they played sounded quite similar to each other, which wasn’t the end of the world because it’s a great sound, similar to Artic Monkeys. However, their last song, ‘Stupid Games’, really stood out. It was rhythmically funkier than the rest. If you want to check it out they’ll be recording it in December.

Then came True Heights who took it up a notch. They built up tension with red lighting, smoke and suspense music, as they took to the stage. The passion oozing from this band was practically tangible. They literally rocked so hard the drummer (Kris Farrell) broke the snare and the vocalist (Zakk Poland) dropped his mic in the heat of it all.

To look at, the six-piece were exactly what your mother told you to stay away from: tattoos, ripped skinny jeans, long hair and in a rock band. The only problem with that being the fact that their music lures you in and your instantly hooked. They are dripping with potential, especially considering they’ve only been around since 2014. They could very easily be the next You Me At Six.

They used the stage well, with Zakk lounging over the barrier and throwing himself about with the others. The songs ‘Stay’, ‘Baby’ and ‘Catalyst’ were particular highlights that demonstrated their intensity.

It was then time for the rock to merge with the power of electronics in the form of Centre Excuse. A trio whose music is catchier than the pied piper. They’ll have you dancing till you drop.

The trio opened with the up-beat ‘Fly Free’ followed by ‘Precious’. Despite their songs being bouncy and energetic, Teddy Lewis’ vocal tone has a melancholic touch to it, that adds another dimension to them. They are an 80s lovers dream.

They moved through the set, mostly through the action of thrusting, to ‘Moon, Sky and Stars’, ‘Rutland’ and ‘Worthless’- all equally brilliant in their own way. They are certainly expressive performers and they don’t stop moving, which is so contagious and makes them more addictive.

As they thank their support acts and everyone who showed up, it’s clear how humbled and proud they are to be playing. To add to their likeability as people, they decided to donate the money made from the gig to the Manchester Children’s Charity, in light of the arena bombing.

Photo: Aga Slobodzian

A night full of guy-liner and non-stop rocking is only let down by the fact the venue will not be around for much longer. It’s sad that bands as great as these will struggle to find places to play around Manchester, as locals’ favourite venues shut-down, one-by-one. Not an ideal situation for the city known as the heart of British music.

Check out the bands on Spotify, iTunes and YouTube;they all deserve your love.