Nero at Albert Hall Manchester review

Image credit: Jack Kirwin

With fans still revelling in their re-emergence into the musical scene with their second studio album, Between II Worlds, Nero's tour was the fix they needed. The trio are finally back in the fold.

Their long awaited return to the UK was dignified as they graced Manchester's grade II listed Victorian fortress, Albert Hall, for an evening which indulged long-standing fans and new ones with some of the group's biggest hits. 

Their fusion of dub flavoured electronic music is a complex sound, and is one that mutates and morphs from track to track, creating a mind-bending musical experience for anyone involved.

The sensory element created by the trio was almost as mesmerising as the music. A piercing bright white light covered the back screen as two black silhouettes jumped into position behind the decks, and 'Doomsday' dropped (listen below).

The bass rushed through the bodies of all in attendance and in that moment stepped out the elegant yet punk-edged vocalist Alana Watson, whose voice added a high-pitch layer to the deep bass that was rumbling through the speakers.

She fluttered on and off the stage, showing off almost as many outfits as there were songs. She is an treasured addition to the live show, having been made officially a member of Nero this year, joining the Joseph Ray and Daniel Stephens.

The first half of the show saw the duo elevated above decks, and Alana down low on the stage. Past popular hits 'Innocence' and 'Guilt' fuelled the ravers into a frenzy, resulting in relentless mosh pits. All went black, and then Daniel and Joe had relocated to the front of the stage on their synthesised keyboards.

Tracks slightly easier on the ear, such as 'Reaching Out' and 'Must Be The Feeling' were performed but still caused their fair share of destruction within the crowd. The highlight of the night came from 'Promises', climaxing with the well-known chorus. 

They weren't finished there. Their Grammy award winning collaborative remix with Skrillex of 'Promises' was mixed with Plan B's 'The Recluse', creating an unexpected but nevertheless unforgettable mash up. It was followed by newer tracks 'The Thrill, 'Satisfy' and 'Two Minds' (above), giving the crowd more to scream about. 

It was time for the finale. All you could hear was the chanting of "me and you" from fans, and that was precisely what they delivered as the Albert Hall ruptured. Despite a four year wait between albums, this performance underlined the fact that Nero are back - stronger than ever.

Nero are still to play O2 Academy Brixton on Saturday 28th November. 

Like this? Try Bass Music Awards winners results 2016

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