The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Manchester Academy. 20th October 2018

Tonight was a bit of a gamble. I’ve not really listened to Brian Jonestown Massacre since I stumbled across Methodrone and Their Satanic Majesties Second Request 20 years ago. Dig! too revitalised them (fantastic documentary), but if anything it was The Dandy Warhols that I warmed to in that film... Anton Newcombe is not easy to warm to. So what would they be like live... Despite not being as familiar with the newer stuff (and there’s a lot, 17 albums) it really doesn’t matter, there’s something about the stoner rock vibe that’s really immersive. I’m not sure how I’d describe it, maybe a retro ethereal dreamy goth pop sort of thing. By rights we should all have been sat on the floor of The Academy, but there’s far too many people bobbing along to the blissed our mantra emanating on stage. Drums roll, tambourines shake, organs drone and guitars jangle delightfully as the songs build into something rather spiritual. Rarely do I dance much at gigs these days, but it’s impossible not to be moved by The Brian Jonestown Massacre. They’re magnificent and this is probably one of the best gigs I’ve seen all year, the gamble paid off!