Hometown shows carry great significance for bands, but even more so for The Slow Show. Signing to a German label (Haldern Pop Recordings) has led to an forced absence from Manchester, and despite a rapid build up of European followers after extensive continental tours, they’ve gone largely unnoticed in the UK. Named after a National song, the group ties its colours to the mass and their brand of delicate atmospheric rock has similarities with their fellow melancholic brothers from Ohio, only it’s easier to interpret the lyrics.

They’d only played a handful of gigs before BBC Introducing picked them to support Elbow at Manchester Cathedral, which led to a Radio 2 session. In turn, a European agent heard and asked them to play some unlikely dates abroad. They had barely played a note in their hometown and were suddenly performing to audiences in Switzerland and Germany. “Manchester, it’s great to be back and to hear the skally accent once again,” joked frontman Rob Goodwin.

His deep, considered, baritone vocals are the lifeblood of the productions and add another layer to the captivating sound. Similar to Editors’ Tom Smith, Goodwin carries the weight of each track on his shoulders. He consistently appears to be on the precipices of an emotional meltdown as he surveys the stage with his signature disheveled look; mic in one hand, the other deeply entrenched into his pocket. This demeanor lends itself to the minimal but epic compositions which range from roaring choruses and string sections to gentle piano-led americana.

“This is, this is, a breakdown,” he croons during ‘Dresden’, which begins with Gregorian chanting bursting from the speakers. ’Long Way Home’ carries similar poignant qualities, while ‘Dry My Bones’ is another slow burner as he tackles loneliness and alcoholism. Granted, they’re not the most positive of bands, but they manage to make you feel immersed in the dark soundscapes they’re creating. ‘Bloodline’ is one of the standout tracks and gradually builds up for a rare, energetic finale in which the added live members (trumpet and violinist) come to the forefront. ‘Ordinary Lives’ is another (only slightly) optimistic number that gives the drummer a rare opportunity to express himself before ‘Brawlin’ Tonight’ name checks Manchester and is performed using a minimalist approach. However, ‘Breaks Today’s’ sumptuous wall of rich harmonies and subtle instrumentation is arguably the band’s finest song.

The Slow Show have a intriguing charm. They possess a humble songwriting quality that gets under the skin, and the venue’s enclosed layout provided the ideal ambience for it. As each delicate crescendo tightened its sentimental grip on the audience, the five piece proved that it’s the most intimate numbers which can carry the greater emotional significance

Paul Hill

Website: theslowshow.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/theslowshow
Twitter: twitter.com/theslowshow