Wednesday 05/02/03 Ffion Regan, The Cranebuilders, My Morning Jacket @ Hop & Grape, Manchester

Peering nervously into the glare of the lights, singer songwriter Ffion Regan mumbles apologetically that he's come to play some songs for us tonight. Perhaps its because he's in such coveted and press exalted company, but within seconds of airing his rich and soaring voice, any lingering apprehensions on his behalf are seemingly banished. Displaying the lo-fi musings of Figure 8 Elliot Smith and hints of the altogether more ambitious with nods to Coldplay and Jeff Buckley, by the end of the set Regan gains warm and appreciative applause from the swelling crowd.

Whether it was a conscious decision or not, The Cranebuilders sabbatical from the Liverpool scene looks like a smart career move. Decidedly at odds with the whole 'Cosmic Scouse' movement, there's an impending support slot with The Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs that should see their interpretation of New York cool firmly established alongside Karen O's spiky garage rockers, but first there's tonight playing with the equally well touted My Morning Jacket. Starting on a gloomy, downbeat tone, right from the start the spectre of The Velvet Underground is
never far away. But this isn't to say that the influence is overbearing, because like Interpol and The Warlocks to name but two, The Cranebuilders manage to weave in a sea of influences around a solid reference point. Equally at home with Smiths-ey pop ('Your Song') and brief excursions into lo-fi Scud Mountain Boys Americana, musically the set builds confidently after a shuffling start, as you find yourself gradually drawn in. If through increased gigging the obvious quality of the timeless songs is matched with a more focused and energised performance (the band look almost embarrassed to be up on the stage!), The Cranebuilders may find themselves following in The Coral's footsteps towards wider popularity and acclaim.

With the once great Black Crowes rapidly losing the plot in a swirl of lumbered riffing and lengthy solo's, it could be the time for My Morning Jacket to lay claim to the classic rock throne. Hailing from Louisville Kentucky, theirs is a refreshing interpretation of the template laid down by the likes of Neil Young, Lynrd Skynyrd and the brothers Robinson, injected with an added dreaminess reminiscent of Mercury Rev's Deserters Songs. And at the heart of it all is lead singer, focal point and undeniable character Jim James. Whether he's crooning wistfully along to a low key acoustic strum taken from The Sweetbee's EP or kicking off his trainers and strapping on his v-neck guitar to join the rest of the band in a southern fried blues n'country jam, James is a constantly engaging presence. But that's not to take anything away from the rest of the band, who carefully add all the necessary flourishes without ever feeling the need to lapse into wanky self indulgence. Johnny Quaid on lead guitar, whether by lick, riff or washes of dreamy sound, is soulful restraint personified, whilst the tight rhythm section and key's from Danny Cash only add to this lush take on the rock n'roll dream. Worthy companions to your Wilco's and Ryan Adams's, make space for My Morning Jacket in your life. I swear you'll feel all the better for it!

Photos by Thomas Toti :: thomas@gigwise.com