Blind Atlas - Manchester Academy 3 - 19th February 2008

New music lovers and occasional gig-goes alike could have been forgiven for thinking they had somehow found themselves in a run down bar on the outskirts of New York City, listening to a world weary blues band, rather than jammed inside Manchester Academy 3 on a cold Tuesday night, such is the effect Blind Atlas’ music has upon the listener.

Despite the smoking ban, you could almost see the heavy air filled with the lazy smoke of cigarettes, helping singer Ross Thompson’s already emotionally wrought voice project an even more mournful power over the crowd. The occasional lack of clarity in the vocals would usually be frustrating, but somehow it all adds to the Blind Atlas live experience.

It’s hard to believe that the band members have yet to reach their thirties, as the songs seem to be drenched with a sense of heartache and experience you would normally associate with a much older group.
The funky bass-lines and skilful drumming help to keep the music from steeping too far down the tracks of moroseness though, as songs like ‘Give me Time’ and ‘The Ethereal Song’ demonstrate, as they are almost impossible not to swing your hips to, and several members of the crowd moved to the front to have a dance.

Friendly interaction with the crowd from guitarist Adam Jones gave the show an intimate feel, and by the time the band finished their set with new song Highway, you were left with the feeling that you had just witnessed something much more special and personal that your average local band.
The slight age gaps between the group members, and the fact that Ross spent his formative years in Colorado, give Blind Atlas a real edge over most other bands on the Manchester circuit at the moment. With songs that speak of so much more that the usual tales of love and loss, Blind Atlas are quickly emerging as one of Manchester’s bright new talents.


Review by Toni Butler-Williamson


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