By Ian Campbell
It was 2017 when I last saw Mannequin Pussy. The world has changed radically since then and after a string of how can things get any worse events, the US supreme court decision on abortion has left the majority of us speechless, distraught and angry. Mannequin Pussy vented this anger in a 45 minute blistering set which was cathartic for all in Broadcast.
There had been a wee line up change and a growing maturity of sound on display with no loss of energy and originality. Missy – on vocals and guitar – had the full range of songs, rousing statements and a confident stage presence. Two nights into a tour, the previous show had been at the hardcore outbreak festival in Manchester, the band were super tight and worth checking out whilst they are in UK.
After a mixture of songs that could even qualify as power pop we were treated to a rousing hard core conclusion with Missy reminding me how much I liked the first few Patti Smith albums. Then to finish, step forward Bear. A colossus on guitar who appearing at the front of the compact stage in the same dimensions as the giant Alice in Wonderland just after the “drink me” misfortune. Shortly before that we had band members trying to hang upside down from the steel beam that runs along the ceiling. If music is protest let it be like this and let’s have fun doing it.
Slow Crush, presently based in Belgium, complimented Mannequin Pussy nicely with the type of shoe gaze and anthemic guitar licks much loved locally. Comparisons with My Bloody Valentine and local heroes Mogwai would not be wide of the mark. Isa – originally from Manchester – played bass slung Hookie low and drove some dark bass lines . Much dry ice added to the mood of their set although it was often so thick that when it cleared, it was wise to do a head count to make sure nobody had gone missing. Their new album Hush is worth a listen.
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