Gig Review: Kula Shaker and Ocean Colour Scene

Kula Shaker and Ocean Colour Scene create a party atmosphere in Manchester

A sensational night of music at one of Manchester's most iconic music venues

Author - Josh D

Manc Super News: Life in GM - Kula Shaker and Ocean Colour Scene

For some reason, you just knew this was going to be a special night almost immediately.

A closer look at Kula Shaker

A band that might not necessarily have been as well known to the crowd. 90s Britpop fans will have been well aware, but for younger members of the crowd, Kula Shaker wasn't as well-known as some of their contemporaries. Within minutes though, everyone was certainly enjoying themselves.

There is a distinction between being billed as a support act and being labelled a special guest. Kula Shaker, known for their established reputation and unique style, made it clear they were the latter. The night was off to a good start.

Now for Ocean Colour Scene

The bond between the band and their fans was palpable throughout the set, with a great mix of ages and backgrounds in the crowd. This didn’t go unnoticed, with one 15-year-old receiving a round of applause from the band for seemingly knowing every word to every song—probably more than the band themselves.

After working through some of their iconic back catalogue, things ramped up with the explosive Hundred Mile High City.

READ MORE: Greatest Greater Manchester gigs and concerts

READ MORE: Manchester band set to mark milestone

The mood soared to another level with a wholesome rendition of Traveller’s Tune, which followed a powerful performance of Profit in Peace, accompanied by images of various protests projected to the audience. It’s always refreshing when bands aren’t afraid to get a little political on stage.

They closed with the inevitable The Day We Caught the Train, sending the crowd home happy. This was a band that felt right at home. They’re not from Manchester, but they might as well be. For a moment, it felt like the ’90s all over again.

In Summary. How good was the gig?

This is something that is always hard to measure. For me, if you feel that personal connection with the band, nothing else really matters. It felt like the audience definitely had that connection with the musicians. Kula Shaker and Ocean Colour Scene were fantastic. The atmosphere was great. Nothing else really matters. If you get an opportunity to see either of these bands over the next few weeks, go and do it!

Location: Manchester, UK

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