Jamie T, Manchester Academy [17.11.14]

 

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HANNAH ALDERSON

 

There was a certain air of disbelief diffused throughout Manchester Academy last Monday as it held the second Mancunian date of Jamie Treays' long awaited comeback tour. For me, and many others, Jamie T provided the coming of age soundtrack to my adolescence- Panic Prevention being an album I constantly find myself going back to after seven years, simply for a small dosage of nostalgia. Vivid recollections of underage drinking come flooding back whenever the likes of 'Sheila' or 'Dry Off Your Cheeks' make an appearance on shuffle on my iPod. Jamie T has always been one of those musicians I idolise; an unsung hero whose lyrics are so relatable they're almost amusing, and his five year absence from the music industry simply added to his allure.

 

Opening with 'Limits Lie,' a firm favourite of mine taken from his third and most recent LP, the air of disbelief I mentioned previously turns into complete awe as the man who has been in hiding for five whole years suddenly emerges from hibernation with a track that can only be described as incredible. It's quite impressive how a musician who has been totally off the radar for such a long time (and never really received any major mainstream success prior to his long break) can have such a huge impact on a crowd.

 

Tracks from Panic Prevention ( a la 'Operation' and 'Salvador') were obvious hits with the crowd, most of whom could recite every viciously spat lyric with ease. However, Jamie's new album, Carry on the Grudge really proved itself amongst fans; 'Peter,' for example, brewing a rowdy intoxicated crowd from start to finish. 'Turn on the Light' was another peak with its steady and constant drumbeat and excellent lyrics, again, most of which the crowd knew well, whilst tearjerkers, 'Murder of Crows' and 'They Told Me it Rained,' force the crowd to wrap their arms around one another in adoration. The true highlights, however, come in the form of 2009's Kings and Queens LP; tracks such as 'The Man's Machine,' 'Spider's Web' and '368' filling revellers with irrevocable excitement as each and every member of the crowd recite the lyrics to each other in a state of absolute shock that the songs we once drank straight vodka to on parks are now being played live to us by the man himself. 'Emily's Heart' another notable moment: "bruised and bloody, I'm lying on the ground" sang at the top of every lung in the venue, out of tune, but with conviction.

 

Now you don't need me to tell you that 'If You Got the Money,' 'Sheila' and 'Sticks 'n' Stones' were all inexplicably good so I'm not even going to attempt to review them, but all that needs to be said is that Jamie T is back with a vengeance after his five year disappearing act. So thank you Jamie, for gracing us with your presence, as the old saying goes: it's better late than never.