Wednesday 12/04/06 Blue Aeroplanes, Catlow, Gerard Starkey, Saturation Point @ Academy 3, Manchester

In some kind of crazy Vaudeville tradition, Blue Aeroplanes tonight are preceded by no less than 3 different support acts. Slight confusion is assuaged as Saturation Point take to the stage and we realise that the supports (well, 2 of them anyway) are splinters of the Aeroplanes' current touring band, although this in no way removes their stature as bands in their own right and then some. Led by John Langley’s ridiculously powerhouse drumming (slapping the skins with stick, tambourine and maraca) this is pure freakout- a psychedelic overload of noise and texture with acid fried guitar and rhythmic melodic bass- Faust as I live and breathe and we want more more more. Next up is Wigan’s own Gerard Starkey with a short classy acoustic set. This is a real counterpoint to the previous noise and transports in a different way, intimate and with real distinction. Another sound change is heralded by the Natasha Thirsk (with chipped knee- what a trooper) led Catlow, who jump up and kick ass all the way from Vancouver with a thrashy power pop sound that twists and turns with enough quirks to carve out its own identity. They play with energy and force and a short set that leaves all invigorated.

This overload of different musics in short succession only serves to remind us that ‘Altitude’ shows Blue Aeroplanes at their absolute finest- their very own ‘White Album’ and as this large bunch of ragamuffin musicians take the stage, it's such a pleasure to have their truly distinctive beatnik rock back from the underground. The splinters of ‘Bristol Byzantine’ lead into ‘Raise the Roof’ which they do with a million tons of extra fuzz and noise. This band is newly invigorated and truly on fire. The three guitars between them provide melody, texture and noise/ weird shit. It’s such a thick layer of sound, one you can bask in. Before we know it, they’re tearing into ‘Up in a Down World’ which royally (a more misfittingly regal band I cannot imagine) kicks ass - We’ve said this before- SINGLE - this is infectious loved up and jubilant, you can jump and down to it or shimmy or whatever you want and live it packs an extra Herculean punch. It needs to be number one.

The Aeroplanes storm their way through songs old and new- Gerard whirling with dervish-like proportions at various point, on his knees or in the air. ‘Jacket Hangs’ is greeted like the bible with life still to be rung out from its classically creased sleeves and 'Cavalier No. 9' rolls with metallic abandon. Every song is truly a highlight and boy do they come from all directions- ‘Beautiful is as Beautiful Does’ is particularly wonderful and '…and Stones' rips the roof, walls and floor off the building but everyone is too busy dancing to notice. We lose track of songs (16? 20?) and get lost in the sound.

Blue Aeroplanes are back and then some. Go out, get 'Altitude' and get high. Come back soon.