Mystery Jets, Manchester Academy Two

Supporting Mystery Jets were Golden Silvers who managed to surprise ten-fold with how tightly knit their set was for a band that probably get most of their practice cooped up in various band-members bedrooms. Songs ‘Magic Touch’ and ‘Arrows of Eros’ translated so well live that the rule of ‘don’t-dance-to-support-bands’ was broken by many. Pulling the threads tighter for slower songs like ‘Here Comes the King’ and ‘Another Universe’ they broke up the slower-tempo with the likes of ‘Lily the Lover’; for a new band they have big ideas and the execution live to refine and become pretty amazing.

Mystery Jets though show a band who have been through the gestation period of first to second album with grace and flair. Dressed in matching sparkly tops their penchant for the eccentric was nodded too as ex-band member Henry watched on from the side. Master’s of atmosphere it was siren-wailing and strobe lighting (as well as an onslaught of the smoke-machine) that introduced the band on stage as ‘Hideaway’ kicked in with its relentless beat and double-entendres (‘Undercover lover left a rubber in the sack’).

It’s refreshing to see a band that has been around for a while grow and improve whilst still retaining their integrity. Songs such as ‘You Can’t Fool Me Dennis’ meant a squeal emitting from the audience as the familiar strains began whilst ‘Boy Who Ran Away’ and ‘Alas Agnes’ sounded as fresh as ever.

To be able to indulge in a first album with such obvious enjoyment whilst playing newer material with the same deftness is something Mystery Jets revel in. The softer ‘Flakes’ and ‘Umbrellahead’ provided a welcome rest for the dance-weary audience as ‘Young Love’ and ‘Two Doors Down’ do their job and have hands flying and feet jiving.

At one point a scuffle between a skin-headed bloke and the rest of the audience breaks out causing []William to say stop, in no uncertain terms. Skinhead Bloke backs away sheepishly showing the power of the band (or at least the power of the pretty heavy-duty guitar in the band members’ hands), more than that though it exemplifies the band/fan relationship Mystery Jets have forged for themselves.

Their live shows are undoubtedly a group affair. No member of the band overshadows the other, fans are encouraged to get involved and skinheads are told to back off for getting lairy. Their unique sound has evolved to a more radio-friendly sound yet their ethos and music has lost none of its veracity. ‘Half In Love With Elizabeth’, ‘Diamonds in the Dark’ and ‘Hand me Down’ weave in and out of one another and it is a triumphant live performance for the band which gathers everyone in it’s elatedness.