Thursday 21/02/08 Gallows, Set Your Goals @ Manchester Academy 2

“Don’t put a band on a pedestal. Please don’t look at us as anything but equal to you” spouts Gallows front-man Frank Carter to his adoring rabble crammed into the sold out venue. He may wish to be seen on the same level as the sweat-soaked hoards before him, but they certainly piss all over other bands in performance, attitude and sheer entertainment. Gallows have somehow managed to battle through one of the most gruelling of tour schedules ever seen. Though any thoughts that this could leave them visibly drained and half-hearted were instantly dismissed as soon as they stormed the stage. On this staggering showing all the media hype and bucket load of praise hasn’t changed a thing. They still play as if their life depended on it.

Set Your Goals’ buoyant blend of pop-punk and hardcore may not have been everyone’s choice for tonight’s main support. But nearly all were won over by the San Francisco lad’s infectious energy and plucky attitude, not to mention their catchy-as-hell tunes. The set up of two lead singers absent of guitars already gives the band an intriguing edge, while their hybrid sound proves difficult to accurately pigeon-hole. But one thing is for certain - Set Your Goals are a stunning live act. Mountains of hyperactivity gave the distinct impression they maybe enjoying it even more than their fans down the front. But what really makes SYG so enthralling is their approach to song writing which is as refreshing as it is radical. With the first four songs on full-length debut ‘Mutiny!’ merging into one, their formula is simply perfect for a live show.

Relentless, ruthless and damn right ridiculous their set exploded into life with ‘Mutiny!’ and with the P.A. system geared for a gallows onslaught, the meatier sounding riffs gave SYG a menacing edge. ‘Work In Progress’ is a perfect sing-along while ‘We Do It For The Money Obviously!’ sounds awesome tonight. ‘Don’t Let This Win Over You’ even warranted Frank Carter lending a hand on the vocals, a nice show of respect from bands miles apart in sound. ‘Echoes’ has become Set Your Goals signature tune, a song so personal to both singers Jordan and Matt, upon seeing the crowds devotion they instantly adopt the widest of smiles. Finishing with ‘To Be Continued’ the sextet have put on a performance hard to begrudge and so easy to love. They are rebels without a scene, the way they always planned it.