Right now, Man Made are out on the road to promote their new album TV Broke My Brain, which is released on 29th April (pushed back from the original date 15th April to avoid clashing with Record Store Day). The MM touring machine is undoubtedly well-oiled, with tonight being the eighteenth date on this tour and having supported the likes of Jake Bugg and Courteeners over the last couple of years. Nile, Callum and Scott know how to put on a show.
Last time they played the Oakford Social Club, they were supporting Kid Wave. Tonight, they’re back on their own terms and remark how nice it is to see some familiar faces from last time. Those faces are ones which know a few words and can be seen singing along every now and then.
Kicking off the main event, Nile Marr – son of Johnny – is decked out in his signature sparkly attire as Man Made take to the stage and launch straight into ‘Vegetative State’. Spiky, ringing guitar sounds and a pounding rhythm section complement each other perfectly as they race through a set containing old songs such as ‘Nobody’s Dreaming’, ‘Plastic Key to Living’ and the album’s titular track ‘TV Broke My Brain’, along with recent singles ‘Bring Some’ and ‘Raining in my Head’ (the music video for this song was unveiled online hours earlier).
There is even a new addition to the set which harks back to the days when Man Made consisted of Nile as the sole member: ‘Do Your Worst’. The band are huge fans of Modest Mouse, and one can hear the influence of them really shine through here. Upon having a chat with drummer Scott after the show, it turns out it’s not on the album that will be out soon, but perhaps it could be an addition for the next one. Judging by the crowd’s reaction to it, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea.
Before ending the night, Nile tells the crowd of their adventures walking around Reading during the day, which included an amusing tale of freaking out some very stoned teenagers in the nearby park. The band then proceed to close the show with ‘All Mine’ – these last few minutes are proof that they know how to keep a crowd entertained, big or small; even when Nile’s guitar abruptly cuts out in the middle of the song, it is handled and resolved with ease.
Man Made are well on the way to making a name for themselves; their relentless work ethic of driving hundreds of miles in their van to each show is paying off with each gig they play. There are only a few live dates left on this tour – if you get the chance to go see them, it is highly recommended. If not, it’s likely that it won’t be long before they’re on the road again. You won’t be disappointed.
Catch them at:
Opium 10, Barnsley – April 22nd
Hootanannys, Inverness – April 24th
The Tunnels, Aberdeen – April 25th
Words by Gem Faulkner