The we move into Nasty Habits which, to be, fair is just as emo pop as the rest of the songs I’ve heard tonight, but instead of getting mega bored of the similar sort of stuff, I just keep wanting more; lapping up everything these guys throw at me, and I’m beginning to wonder if my best kept secret is going to be my nasty addiction to these cute guys from Surrey.
Before they launch into the title track from their new album Take Off Your Colours Josh takes a moment to address his adoring fans and asks how everyone came to posses their delicious album. After making everyone feel unbelievably guilty for downloading the album rather than paying for it we can all breathe a sigh of relief as he declares; “I don’t give a f**k how you got the album - just thanks for checking it out!”
Then the mayhem starts again as the song pummels your ears into places you never knew you had… how these kids don’t run out of energy I’ll never know; but maybe it’s got something to do with the born performers writhing around on stage in front of them.
Josh faces the Achilles Heel of his set with Always Attract as he admits to having the occasional mess up and this time is sadly no different. This is their love song and all around the room I see girls put a loving arm around their boyfriends (who have more eyeliner on than her) and kiss them uncontrollably - smearing their faces in glitter and red lipstick… I have the red lipstick.. Why am I left standing alone? So toilet break it is…
I clearly wasn’t long enough as I get back just in time to hear Josh sing the wrong words again but the crowd still cheers… it’s obvious that he can do no wrong in their eyes - even when he messes up ‘their song’ the couples still go mad for it… or maybe they didn’t notice as they were gagging on their other halves tongue? Who knows - surely they’re too young for that?
On all fairness though, this song shows off the vocal ability of Josh to a real extent as there are very few instruments marring the sound of his voice and I could quite easily listen to it all day - but that doesn’t mean I want the rest of the guys to go anywhere because when they come back to life for If I Were In Your Shoes which, after a slight hiccup at the start, is yet another room bursting anthem that whips the girls and boys into a dance-fuelled rage.
After the announcement of “I know Manchester isn’t a f**king pussy so lets get a circle pit going.” I know there’s going to be trouble as the room erupts into a swirling pit of kids with bodies flying everywhere are they whiz around the centre of the room. But don’t worry guys; it looks like everyone made it out of the other side in once piece!
Their final song The Rumour sees a crowd surfer take one of the bouncers out and I know it’s a sign of a good show! The guys are determined to go out with a bang and put absolutely every last bit of energy into this song and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Everyone has their hands in the air and there’s a real sense of ‘community here’ as everyone is embracing the beats coming out of the speakers and just letting the sound pour over them as they savour the last seconds of the show.
Then it’s all over..,. The house lights come out and some loop repeats “Thank you so much Manchester” as the children head for the exit as fast as they can. As with most good things… it’s over far too soon and there is only one good thing to come from the end - I know I’ll be back here in 2009.
Check out our gallery from last night hereFemaleFirst - Ruth Harrison