The Pyratz Live Review

By Stu Taylor of STP Records

So, here we are in Manchester at Academy 3, part of one of Manchester's premier concert venue collective halls.

First up we have Barrington Mozart, an unholy racket created by Said Mr Mozart and Friend. This two piece outfit created such a wall of rock n roll noise, that I had to persuade the merch girls to look for themselves as they honestly believed a full band was on stage. Duly impressed that such a thing was possible, they returned and I settled down to watch this twosome blitz through a half hour set of their own self titled grunge/garage/comedy set and was left wanting to see them again, which I assuredly will do.

Next up we have the low point of the evening, Dirty Jack. This band can undoubtedly play an instrument or two IF they want to....but quite simply to turn up on such a stage with an attitude of just wanting to have fun, and not being bothered about your performance, well quite frankly as you cannot show interest in hitting the right notes, chords, and vocals, then quite frankly you don't deserve to be reviewed.

Just before The Pyratz hit the stage, we have The Strive who progress through their 30 minute set of indie, post punk songs with an energy and vigour lacking in the previous band. This crew obviously have come for the right reasons and despite one or two vocal hiccups, both enjoy what they are doing on stage and more importantly deliver that enjoyment via their songs for people who have paid to see them (Dirty Jack take note).

Ok, the reason I was here...THE PYRATZ.
It will come as no surprise that I was going to enjoy this, as this is a band that have supported me at S.T.P on several occasions, but that did not mean I wouldn't do an honest and accurate review.
From arrival at 4pm to help the band load in to the venue, it was clear we were all of the same mind that the size and importance of the venue wasn't lost and that a show was there to be put on. So we duly set up a full looking stage complete with full and half stacks, double bass drum kit, and band backdrop, which when coupled with the venues fine lighting and sound system meant a good visual stage for the paying public.
Through the bands soundchecks, the setting up of Merch and it was time for the band to relax before the important job of entertaining the folk who were in the room when the band hit the stage.
The band opened with current single TANGO DOWN which as a song without words set up those in attendance for the aural barrage that would surely be coming their way.

B.I.T.C.H followed hot on its heels and the band were up and running, literally, and looking and sounding like the tight unit they now are, which as a band who have reformed and been through several changes does surprise some people, but like the 1985 Pirates, what you get is what you see, honest down to earth, straight forward rock and roll and this time played on a large stage where its meant to be heard.

BALL AND CHAIN rolls out of the speakers and carries on the rock n roll onslaught and by now the vocals are as loud as Chris wants them and the band are now in full flow and looking confident and at home on a larger stage.
B.A.D, HOW LOW CAN YOU GO, AND SHOOT YA DOWN all speed by like an express train before we get to LONELY PLANET DOLL, and a band that are simply mixing a sheer love of playing live and coupling it with a love of entertaining folk, and its working.
We are then hit with the usual powerhouse rendition of RING OF FIRE which as something covered by many a band, has to my ears yet to be bettered. The version by this band powers along and always leaves anybody attending singing along which I can attest to again having watched several staff singing along as well this evening.
As always, there has to be an ending to all evenings and strict curfews at The Academy 3 mean we are left with a final twosome of DANCING SKULLS, whose dual vocals work amazingly well alongside the solid rhythm section and bode well for the bands new album that will be coming your way as soon as its ready, and the final song of the night, TALKIN BOUT YOU which ends the evening on as much of a high as we all started the evening on.

Special mention has to go out to the amazing Kitty Liquor whose on stage burlesque and money throwing augmented a section of the show that had even the door staff coming inside the hall to take a peek.
My review was three times as long, but I decided to omit all my references to youngsters learning from a dressing room full of experience, folk who buy tickets and don't come out (yes you've helped the band by buying a ticket, but support 'em live folks), and bands not watching each other, and trim down the detail to make my review the same short sharp punch to the kidneys that a LIVE PYRATZ SHOW delivers. This is a PYRATZ review after all and you can ask me about other aspects of shows when you see me folks, only too happy to share thoughts one on one with anybody over a pint.
So, if there had been problems, I would have highlighted them as with any review, BUT I enjoyed it, the band enjoyed it, and those that watched enjoyed it....what more of an endorsement do you need to watch the band when they are in your town?....

I certainly hope we can have them play Manchester again later this year, and will be doing what I can to make this happen.

Uncle Stu
 

SoundCheck Rating :