The Slow Readers Club, Albert Hall. 17th March 2023

The Slow Readers Club reconvene in Manchester for the first proper headline show in over three years. Has it really been that long? There have been launch shows and support slots, but yes tonight back at Albert Hall is the first time we’ve had a full set in the city that adores them. And what a set! Split amazingly well between their six albums, the new stuff slots in brilliantly. ‘Modernise’ the opener from the new album lights the touch paper. Raising the already scorching room a few degrees higher. The aim is clear, hit us with everything full force. ‘Fool For Your Philosophy’ follows, Aaron beginning to stalk the stage, whipping us up and encouraging us to raise are hands in a Mexican wave on ‘All I Hear’, before wisely shedding his coat for ‘The Great Escape’. They’ve always been tight, but they sound especially so tonight. Aaron’s voice particularly sounding better than ever. The whole show has taken a step up, it’s not just the songs. There’s more chat and Kurt and Jim’s guitar straps are even colour coordinated with Aaron’s shirt. Jim as usual looks like he’s having a blast, effortlessly cool with his new samurai bass dude look. The keyboard is out for ‘How Could You Know’ as things mercifully slow down a touch and we all catch our breath. Not for long though. “Let’s go” says Aaron as ‘Plant the Seed’ rings out. Turning the mic for us to take over. Albert hall sounding amazing with everyone in full voice. ‘Everything I Own’ I think often gets overlooked, maybe it’s because it’s from the lockdown album, but it’s impressive live with those ominous guitars, military drum fills and Aaron soaring, bathed in blue and red light, it’s a real moment. ‘Forever in Your Debt’ is still my favourite and sounds magnificent as ever. Everyone’s arms up and bouncing. This sets the template that follows for ‘Jerico’, with is dancy riffs bringing out some deep shoulder moves from those around us. Shout out to the lightening tech who’s spot on all night, but no more so than on ‘Afterlife’, another one from Knowledge Freedom Power that sounds like an instant must have song in the set. It's the one that I'll find playing in my head when I wake up in the morning. There’s an audible gasp of pleasure at the opening guitar line of ‘You Opened Up My Heart’. Aaron’s beaming, holding court like a pro from the front of the stage as the crowds singing gets louder. My mate has goosebumps. I would too, but it’s absolutely roasting. The anticipation for the building ‘Block Out the Sun’ is incredible. One of the oldest in the set, the die hards of which there are hundreds are in fine voice. As if to prove a point though, they don’t stop singing for new one ‘Lay Your Troubles On Me’. These new songs sound great and prove that The Readers are really just getting going. Things go nuts for ‘On the TV’, the pogoing actually creating a surprising but lovely draft. Until the guy in front with his coat tied round his waist starts jumping like crazy, swinging the keys in the coat pocket that catch my square in the nuts. Gigs can be dangerous. By the time we get to ‘Feet On Fire’ I’m a puddle of utter joy, and to be honest, a bit speechless, but we’re not done. The encore of ‘I Saw a Ghost’, ‘Knowledge Freedom Power’ and ‘Lunatic’ with giant balloons bouncing around the venue is just out of this world. I might have said this when reviewing them before, but this really is the best I’ve seen them. Incredible. Let’s hope it’s not three years before they’re back.