Post War Years - Night and Day, Manchester, 22/9/2008

  by Dixie Ernill

published: 21 / 9 / 2008

intro

At a gig supporting White Lies at the Night and Day in Manchester, Dixie Ernill is impressed by both little known, but eclectic new group the Post War Years' diversity and determination

The Night and Day is sold out for the visit of current press darlings and 80’s throw-backs, 'White Lies', but it is ‘the early bird that catches the worm’ as the fortunate prompt arrivees are treated to an eclectic set from little known opening act the Post War Years. The group are almost impossible to pin down due to three of the four band members taking turns at lead vocals and the music skipping from the melodic jazz tinged offerings more associated with the early work of the Experimental Pop Band through to the jagged licks of the current crop of indie guitar boys and all points in between. No sooner do the band start to sound like Prefab Sprout or the Cure or even Jack Penate, but then they morph mid-song into something new. ‘Black Morning’ is the perfect case in point moving from above average indie fare to a semi-religious rallying cry. Talking with the band afterwards reveals a shared love of Talking Heads, Gomez and the Cure, but they are quick to distance themselves from the Jack Penate comparison I offer. The Post War Years are far from the finished article, but their diversity and determination to plough their own furrow makes them a breath of fresh air in these somewhat predictable musical times. Definitely ones to keep tabs with.

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