Venue:
Gorilla, Manchester
Date: 05/04/2016
This is my third Teleman gig – I’m not actually familiar with Pete & The Pirates the band they formed from the ashes of – I get the impression by now they have eclipsed their former incarnation. This is by far their most assured performance of the three I’ve seen – not least because it would appear they have a very fine new album to promote ‘Brilliant Sanity’.
The rather awkwardly named Nzca/Lines provide a decent support set of summery electro-disco that reminds of what New Order used to sound like before they concentrated on slagging each other off in music magazines.
Teleman are wonderful tonight. A mate of mine has always raved about what a great singer Thomas is and tonight (helped by the excellent sound mix) I get it – it’s a great pop voice – sweet, deadpan but very musical with maybe a touch of Ray Davies grit in there – and the band are great – they can get a big Krautrock/Franz style groove going but also hold back and let the melodies shine when required. I’m also struck by the quality of songwriting – which is cut above what I usually hear on a Tuesday night in a smallish gig venue. Older songs like Cristina from the first album still sound great but it’s the new songs that get the best reception -( it’s early days for this band so we’re very much ‘in the moment’ here) – this is top stuff
The audience:
Full house – somewhat boosted by ‘Dusseldorf’ getting heavy rotation on 6 Music – aged from 20 to 65 as far as I can see – we all like a good tune don’t we?
It made me think..
The new record is a great leap forward from the rather low key debut – very strong songwriting. Dusseldorf is getting the airplay and they have some big new songs like Glory Hallelujah, Tangerine, Fall in Time and English Architecture which make me think the next time they play will be in a bigger venue. Cleverly the also have advance copies of the new record to sell which I happily snap up – you’d be surprised how many record labels can’t seem to organise this simple transaction.
Wilson Wilson says
Nice review Dr V, I missed them earlier in the week in Glasgow. I enjoyed their first album but agree that the new stuff seems like a step forward. Hopefully they’ll be back soon!
anton says
Enjoyed their last album enough to check out Pete & Pirates too…sadly can’st make their gig in Bristol next week. Still love this;
simongmusic says
My mate saw them in Liverpool last week, and he reckons the new stuff is erring more towards Pete & The Pirates, which is no bad thing. Loved them and Teleman are just as good. Onwards and upwards.
Simonl says
A bunch of my old mates, a bit arty, bit record shop, bit Bowie fanatic absolutely love this lot. I haven’t heard a defining moment yet, not for me anyway. That one thing that makes me more than interested yet. But definitely potential.