A near capacity crowd buoyed up by the support slots stood expectantly for the main act to begin. The roof was ready to come off The Music Box. All it required was a classic set from Marlin.

They delivered just that. Great bands know how to engage the crowd. Whether it is to cajole or to challenge, the people on stage want to be part of the crowd. From opening chords of Get into You the people playing and the people watching swayed and punched the air to the rhythm of this rock blues hybrid. With James (Drums) and Shmoo (Base Guitar) driving the song on and Callum’s (Lead guitar) vocals soaring over a searing guitar riff it was lift off at The Music box.

In the best traditions that make Manchester the city it is, these guys know how to throw a good party! The up-tempo pace carried on through the next three songs Anything Anyone, Run and I’ll Shoot. By this point the Marlin massive were in full flow and just as you thought it could not get any better, the beautiful jazzy chords of Magic hung in the air over the crowd calming the frenzy and showing the softer side of this Mancunian three piece. From granite to soft as silk Marlin have a song for every mood.

This was The Music Box on a Friday night though and as the crowd lamented Magic's last bittersweet chords; Screaming smashed into your ears with dramatic effect. I defy anyone to remain standing still when this homage to the 'Ska' and the 'Mod' movements kicks in. Fast paced and dare I say it catchy it bounced along to a crescendo of enthusiastic applause.

By now I was hoarse and sweating and my Dictaphone had become redundant in the onslaught of noise around me. Next up Calling Out Your Name, a deceptive song that begins with a steady almost anti climatic rhythm that quickly builds into a fusion of vocal harmonies and fierce guitar work. I shouted the word contagious into my Dictaphone and that best sums up this song. Once heard it nestles in the jukebox of your brain and plays on repeat for days.

You could see from the looks on James and Callum’s faces that this was a special night. Shmoo as ever remained unfazed and concentrated on his bass guitar. He will contest the ‘coolest bassist in Manchester’ trophy very soon. Pete Hook, beware! The next two tracks Son and Life So Sweet brought the evening to a close and deserved applause from a crowd who would have gladly stayed all night.

Words by Spencer Jacobs

Top of page