Dinosaur Pile Up return to Manchester for their latest tour in support of their excellent new album, I’ve Felt Better.

SNAKE EYES

Brighton’s snake eyes open up proceedings. The duo have a real stage presence that endears them to the filling venue. There are some fans in as the band take the stage to Basement Jaxx’s Where’s Your Head At; there are even more in the new fans bracket as their thirty minute set expires.

Their songs of peace, love and unity backed by a DIY punk aesthetic hits hard. They strike the balance of calling for change in the world without preaching; this is a rare thing in the modern world of over pontificating at concerts. 

To help build their rapport, and to take advantage of the space, both band members take trips to the floor and take it to the crowd. Both play drums, and both sing. It’s a solid mix that sets the tone perfectly. 

XCERTS

XCERTS are perennial veterans of the game. Two decades into their career, they know exactly what they’re doing. Whilst the chips may have been down and the hardships of life got in the way, they always seem to rise above it.

Six albums in, the Aberdeen trio deliver an energetic performance that builds on the momentum that snake eyes built. By now, the venue is nearly full and XCERTS don’t waste their chance.

Each passing song builds on its predecessor and by the time they hit the closing straight, the powerhouse vocals of Murray Macleod, decked out in a cool New Order top, soar around the brilliant confines of New Century Hall.

DINOSAUR PILE UP

With the classic tones of Beastie Boys’ Fight For Your Right blasting out, the crowd are already in a complete frenzy. As the band plug in and kick it, Bout To Lose It lights the touch paper. The front rows are a picture of glee. It’s a site to marvel at. 

Round The Bend offers a huge singalong. The crowd in Manchester get louder and louder as the band tear through their set. Singer Matt Bigland is in constant dialogue with the crowd. “I can see a lot of friends who we’ve gained from playing shows for nearly twenty years…” Naturally, the crowd love this connection. “Thank you for taking the time out of your lives to come and see us.” No thanks needed, Matt. It is a privilege to be here.

Pouring Gasoline is a harder track. Naturally, the pit action is hot to trot. Although harder, the chorus is a glorious singalong that shows why the Leeds trio are so beloved. “This is so crazy!” remarks Bigland.

LOVES THE WORST

My Rock & Roll is a track written ‘twenty years ago’. It’s a driving brute of a song that has lyrics batted back to the stage from the crowd. The band seems genuinely bowled over by the response before Loves The Worst. Whilst slower in its intro; the bass and drum rumble the venue. As the chorus of ‘Loves the fucking worst!’ is screamed exultantly, Manchester again shines. It’s an unashamed pop-punk-emo track that delivers a huge burst of catharsis. 

I Don’t Love Nothing And Nothing Loves Me is the closing track off the bands latest album. It is one of the biggest Weezer moments the band has to offer. It’s clear that Manchester is all in on the new record delivering more impassioned singalongs; particularly the backing vocals! According to Bigland, it’s his favourite off the new album.

MY WAY

My Way is an expletive laden track more than a whiff of hip hop. The riff is meaty and again; the chorus sends the crowd into raptures. Jim Cratchley delivers a great performance switching between guitar and bass throughout and Bigland revels in his role as frontman getting people to sway their arms and be the MC. The hip hop flavour continues with the bands cover of RUN- DMC’s It’s Tricky. ‘I don’t know the lyrics,’ remarks NAME. No worry; Manchester’s got you!

Just like that, the band hit the final track of their main set. 11.11 is massive. The desert rock groove is slinky and sees the band at arguably, their heaviest. Mike Sheils powers the song behind his drums and it’s close to riotous up front as phones are held aloft and the bounce of the crowd intensifies.

PUT IT UP FOR THRASH METAL

A three song encore is kicked off with Thrash Metal Cassette before Big Dogs and Back Foot lay waste to what’s left of New Century Hall. The closing trio are three of the best songs the band has to offer and they’re played with such joy it is impossible not to have a beaming smile across your face. Back Foot in particular is mightily impressive in sending the crowd home more than happy.

Dinosaur Pile-Up are a fun time band. Their catchy songs are ace and the hooks are massive. Hopefully, their new record will help them push through to new audiences and get them the recognition they absolutely deserve.

Absolutely shit hot.

Dinosaur Pile Up online: Website / Facebook / Instagram / X

XCERTS online: Website / Facebook / Instagram / X

snake eyes online: Website / Facebook / Instagram

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