It’s fair to say that the evolution of Mystery Jets, as a band and as a set of individuals, has been a journey of many tantalising twists and turns. Even though lead singer Blaine Harrison is now 30, it’s still hard to wipe that image of the band as a group of adolescents, sporting incredibly frizzy hair, who produced such sweet-indie records, such as ‘Young Love’ and ‘Two Doors Down’. After over 10 years of toying with various eccentric guises, it seems as if the band have finally produced an album, in Curve Of The Earth, that truly showcases what they’re about and provides songs that sound just as perfect live as they do on the record; a rare feat to say the least.
Despite the damp and dreary weather in Manchester, revellers at Gorilla are suitably warmed up by the quirky Declan McKenna, whose brand of bubbling indie-pop is beginning to justify the growing hype that surrounds him.
Emerging onto a hazy, dimly-lit stage, the band kick off their intimate set with the lead single from the new album ‘Telomere’. Harrison’s soaring vocals fill the room with a sense of mastery and confidence, a further indication that the quartet have finally found their groove. The Jets’ however are keen not to forget their older material, which has been the anchor of their fanbase and will forever be a reason why they are so lovingly adored. Indie hit ‘Half In Love With Elizabeth’ draws the first major sing-along of the night, with the jubilant crowd needing no invitation to howl back the cult lyrics.
Despite Curve Of The Earth only being released a few weeks ago, the new material is lapped up eagerly by those in attendance. ‘1985’ is a beautifully soulful ballad and the Jets are visibly delighted upon hearing their freshly conceived lyrics being bounced back at them, with guitarist and vocalist William Rees regularly breaking in to fits of grins at the end of each song. A highlight of a splendid set is Rees’ vocal contribution, which showcases all of its splendour upon ‘Midnight’s Mirror’, a song just shy of 6 minutes that’s packed with fuzzy riffs and ethereal synth. If you want to know why the new album is being held in such high regard, then listen to this song.
However, it’s undoubtedly the indie crackers which are guzzled up most eagerly by the crowd, with ‘Young Love’ sending those present into fits of hysteria at hearing a song, which for many, is a highlight of the alternative noughties scene. The Jets finish with an encore that contains some of the finest moments from Twenty One, in the form of ‘Two Doors Down’ to which Harrison proclaims “You can boogie to this one”, and the emotionally rich ‘Flakes’, which is a fittingly calm end to an electronically charged evening.
“Thanks for not forgetting about us”, says Harrison, in reference to the 4 years it’s taken to record Curve Of The Earth. Don’t worry Blaine and co. there’s no danger of that happening anytime soon.
Words by Lewis Evans