| Man Raze UK | Man Raze The Spitz - Show Page 3 |
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TUE 27th Sep 2005: The Spitz, Old Spitalfields Market, London, ENGLAND.
[Pic Gallery] - 7 Pics by Kelly.
Fan Review - by Amy
Forgive my delay in submitting my review of an absolutely brilliant show. I've now returned to Michigan after a whirlwind three days in London to catch the first live Man-Raze gig. Some might think I'm mad for doing this, but I prefer to think of myself as a really devoted fan! Anyhow the show was certainly worth all the miles flown, the hours waited in the bar before the doors opened (made much more pleasant whilst chatting to a lovely chap named Darren whom some of you may have heard of), and finally the rather odd pre-show poetry reading, if you could call it that (again made much more tolerable thanks to Darren--misery loves company?)
When Phil, Simon, and Paul finally took the stage after 10 pm, they absolutely rocked. Having heard only the three sample tracks on the Man-Raze site, I was blown away at how awesome they sound live. It was unbelievable there were only three of them on stage, as the sound was so rich and full you'd have sworn they were at least a five-piece. But who needs five when these three sound so terrific with Phil very admirably handling both lead vocals and guitar, Simon shining on bass, and Paul rocking the beat on drums. As others have noted, their sound is very similar to the Police both vocally and instrumentally; and this is meant as high praise to both Sting and Co as well as Phil and Co.
Phil obviously has an easy rapport with the fans and his ebullient personality makes him the perfect front man, not to mention his trademark fast fingers on that famous Jackson fretboard. For the ladies who are dying to know, yes, the shirt came off about three songs into the set, as Phil was right, "it really is hot in here." :) The still-shirted Simon sang backing vocals on several tunes, and the two of them harmonised brilliantly.
Before having heard them live, my favourite track was "Every Second of Every Day." I'd still rank that as #1 but also thought the live versions of "Runnin' Me Up" and "Skin Crawl" were fantastic. In fact, my ears were ringing for days, due to the loooooong flight back to the US and the loud volume of the music played before they took the stage. I'm happy to report the only sounds now running through my head are the echoes of "Skin Crawl" which is very catchy and sure to be a hit when the single drops on the 24th.
It was a complete thrill to be there in person (in the second row, no less!) for the first ever Man-Raze live gig, and I've no doubt it won't be the last. A special thanks to Darren for his kind company and to Simon and Phil, the two nicest guys in rock and roll, who took the time to chat with us at the launch party. No wonder they have such dedicated fans! All the best to Man-Raze as they go on to play Loud and Proud, not only in London Town, but everywhere they travel. Hope to see you in the States next time.
Fan Review - by Kelly (her pics above)
I had the pleasure of attending the MAN-RAZE launch party, I travelled from Coventry and it seems I arrived much to early, I managed to negotiate the stairs (on crutches) not realising there was actually a lift! I arrived upstairs shortly after 7pm, there were a few people already there and after pointing myself out on the guest list and getting my hand stamped I wondered over to the bar. I looked around and to my surprise Phil, Simon and Paul were chatting to guests, quite unsure as to what I should do at this point I decided to get a drink. Just as I was about to be served we were asked to leave, now this to me was a record, being chucked out before even having a drink (hehe), once negotiating the stairs again I arrived in the bistro and waited at the bar. I began talking to a couple of people who thankfully allowed me to sit with them as I was on my own, one of the lads was saying how he had got to meet and talk to Phil, I was mortified that I had just walked past the guy.
Shortly before 8pm we wondered back upstairs, we got chatting to some more people and then at 8pm the doors opened. There was a DJ in the corner and to my surprise it was Simon Laffy, slowly the room began to fill and we heard a rumour that the band weren't going to play until 10 pm, I suddenly realised that after travelling all that way I probably wouldn't get to see the first live performance as I was due to leave at 10pm. After a few frantic phonecalls I managed to rearrange my travel plans so panic over.
At around 10 pm with the room full, Phil, Simon and Paul took to the stage, Phil explained that it was only going to be a short set. I can't remember the order that tracks were played but I can tell you all that they sounded awesome! I really enjoyed hearing Skin Crawl live and it was also great to hear Low, I really enjoyed this track although they sounded consistently good. I was stood just behind Ross Halfin and a couple of other photographers so had an excellent veiw of the stage and of Phil, I got quite a few good photos and Phil gave plenty of opportunities to take photos. After the second track Phil complained about the heat and removed his shirt, at a later point during the set, Phil mentioned the forthcoming single and album and a lady asked if he would be naked on the sleeve! Laughter errupted and this was followed by Phil saying "yeah if you want me to be" and Simon added "in 3-d". This was the first time I had ever seen anybody play live and Man-Raze sounded fantastic, I recommend anybody who has the opportunity to see them live, grab the chance and I am positive you will not be dissapointed. I had a fantastic evening and it was finished brilliantly by having my photo taken with Phil and getting my shirt signed!.