Review: We Are Augustines, Manchester HMV Ritz, 3/10/12

October has descended, and as any seasoned music fan will know - as well as wet leaves on the ground - it brings with it a deluge of gigs. All and sundry are back out on the road; some in support of new material, and some doing the final rounds after a long 18 months of album touring.

Brooklyn trio We Are Augustines fall into the latter category, with October seeing their last string of European dates before they head back off across the water to labour over the follow-up to debut album Rise Ye Sunken Ships.

Having worked their way up through the ranks of Manchester venues pretty swiftly in the last year, tonight saw them headline a sold out HMV Ritz on what was a stereotypically dreary autumnal Wednesday night. Gloom was definitely the order of the day outside but it was clear from the outset that Billy and co. were here to raise the roof and rid us of any blues.

A mysterious green hue descends on the stage, and on bound Billy, Eric and Rob to discerning applause and much avid whooping. The trio launch straight into an industrious rendition of ‘Philadelphia (The City of Brotherly Love)’, complete with head banging and frantic flashing lights.

From the get-go Billy McCarthy’s distinguished and unique voice is arresting; raw, robust and furibundus, it’s akin to melodic screaming at times (in the most affable way imaginable). Having spoken very candidly about the grievous life events that inspired much of the debut album, the idea that Rise Ye Sunken Ships formed a musical diary for McCarthy undoubtedly resonates.

The lyrics to ‘Headlong’, ‘Patton State Hospital’ and ‘Strange Days’ all certainly deal with troubled times, and when looked at on a page or listened to attentively are most sorrowful. However, despite the heavy matter behind the tracks, in a live setting they take on a most passionate and vehement form, with McCarthy taking on the role as raconteur consummately. The ardor literally perspires from him.

Tightly hewn instrumentation was a constant throughout, with bassist Eric Sanderson assiduously rhythmic, blithe and highly ebullient in his playing. Similarly, Rob Allen’s colossal, thundering drums interlaced the vocals and strings together, giving everything an added sense of clout. The delightful sounds of ‘The Augustine Three’, who formed an impromptu brass section consisting of trombone, saxophone and cornet, added a refined and highly intricate new dimension to tracks including ‘Strange Days’ and ‘Juarez’.

‘East Los Angeles’ Billy tells us, is a song inspired by "a fucked up hotel room from a fucked up time in my life". Complete with drink in hand, he huskily relays the ode to us, oozing charisma much like he was drunkenly telling a story down the pub.

Something We Are Augustines clearly possess is magnetism - and the crowd are in the palm of their hand for the duration. Every time they edged towards the front of the stage yelps ensued, and it would appear Mr McCarthy's developed something of a heartthrob status, with many highly excitable women all elbowing their way to the front eager to attain his attention.

It was also clear that the trio hold Manchester in very high regard, telling us they always have the best shows here and visibly overwhelmed by the response they got with every track. Remarking that this would be their last gig in the city for a long time, Billy advised us “if we spend any more time here, we won’t be going back… someone get me a British passport” and candidly asked if anyone had a couch he could sleep on, much to the delight of the female contingence.

Re-released single 'Book of James' unsurprisingly provoked the biggest audience reaction ; cameras and phones in the air, The Ritz swayed from side to side and echoes of “here lies my green eyes, rolled back in my head” reverberated from all corners. Goosebump inducing.

Sadly, as ever, all good things must come to an end. But before we parted ways, we were treated to a rousing, wanton encore. Finishing up with ‘New Drunk For The Old Drunk’ the band were joined on stage by crew members and support acts for a good old knees up. Furious strumming, roaring vocals and general fervour bled from the stage, making us all want to just jump on up there with them. The sense that they didn’t want to leave as much as we didn’t want them to was blatant.

“If only you knew how good that felt” uttered guitarist Eric Sanderson. It was a heartfelt comment from a band that have seen some very hard times - both personally, and in terms of the industry. They're a band, however, that have turned the negativity into something positive, and never stopped believing in what they do. Like a phoenix rising from the flames, We Are Augustines’ passion continues to reign supreme.

Words: Michelle Lloyd

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