The Go! Team - The Manchester Ritz - 13/09/07
With its grubby glitter ball and Las Vegas inspired styling, you’d wonder if The Go! Team actually were taking to the stage tonight in Manchester’s classiest venue. Luckily any doubt is driven from the mind as the band soon get the audience to put the spring loaded dance floor to good use.
Treating genres like a Woolworth’s pick’n’mix counter, they veer between thundering cheerleader anthems and child-like pop before throwing in a banjo-led instrumental for good measure.
It’s a testament to songwriter Ian Parton’s skill that it doesn’t all leave you feeling a bit queasy. But marshalling sonic chaos into something almost song-shaped is the Team’s gift.
In truth, the first few tracks challenge the audience to pick the tunes out of a seemingly impenetrable wall of instruments. Everything clicks into place however once the rowdy dance-rock of ‘Grip Like a Vice’ kicks in. One of the most experimental things they’ve done, yet still inexplicably catchy enough to earn the place of lead single, it’s a testament to their finest qualities; a thrilling mind-fuck that you can’t help but dance to.
Arguably, not much has changed since their debut, but as a live show they remain a singularly fun experience. And as the lights come on you can almost see the glitter ball begin to sparkle out the corner of your eye…
