Dinosaur Jr. return to Manchester to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their 'Without A Sound' album by playing it in full. It really doesn't feel that long. I remember hearing the lead single 'Feel The Pain' on Radio One's Evening Session and loving it so much that I immediately bought it on cassette single.
Former Goat Girl Naima Bock opens up the show. It's quite a folky start with just her voice and a minimal amount of bass guitar. When the other instruments and voices join in it reinforces the folk feel, bringing Fairport Convention to mind. Subsequent tracks have more of a folk rock feel, fusing whimsical British folk with Americana. It's all quite relaxing, with a gentle, rolling groove. Naima's voice has a beguiling, slightly haunting quality which reminds me of Joan As Policewoman. Some of the guitar playing is so laid back it's amost horizontal. Two members of her band switch between playing keys and guitar but no matter who is playing what, it is quite sparse and laid back. It is impressive nonetheless.
Dinosaur Jr. open with the classic 'Feel The Pain', the melodic, catchy verses mixing effortlessly with some incendiary guitar playing from J Mascis. The country tinged alt rock of 'I Don't Think So' is as familiar as an old shirt which you've forgotten about but when you try it on, it still fits well, looks good on and is extremely comfortable. The songs seem to be played with more urgency than the record. Some of these songs have not been played in a long time and roadies are frequently bringing out boards with the lyrics and a huge light so that J can read them. You wouldn't be able to tell otherwise as they are a very tight band despite the loose nature of the material. The rhythm section of Murph and Lou Barlow are taut and dynamic whilst J's guitar playing is fire throughout. 'Grab It' perfectly marries the slacker aesthetic with their punk background and is excellent. The guitar solo shows off J at his best. Songs such as 'Even You' sound much heavier live. The low slung riffs of 'Get Out Of This' are great and J's guitar solo is truly jaw dropping. Wow! The punchy 'On The Brink', with its country style noodling, is cool. A delicate 'Seemed Like The Thing To Do' with just J on vocals and guitar is magical. 'Little Fury Things' kicks off the non-album part of the set in fine style. A buoyant 'Start Choppin' is followed by the equally bouncy 'Freak Scene'. The overdriven riffing of 'Gargoyle' is amazing and Lou Barlow looks cool as fuck as he rocks out. They close the show with their amazing cover of The Cure's 'Just Like Heaven'. Excellent.
Dinosaur Jr. *****
Naima Bock ****
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