Review: Missed You At The Show @ Gullivers – January 22

By Mihaela Ivantcheva

Mancunian five-piece Missed You At The Show raised money for Royal Manchester Children's Hospital at Northern Quarter's Gullivers, last Sunday.

‘If the world is coming to an end, well I hope it is not too soon'. Human is the debut song of young and promising Manchester band Missed You At The Show.

In the friendly and very intimate atmosphere of Gullivers, Northern Quarter, the band blew fans away in their humble and talented way.

They presented their second album Pretty Riddle released on January 15. Without much glamour, Missed You At The Show let their music and flair do the talking.

Small Town, Zombie, Here is the Sound were standout songs the rockers performed to raise money for a good cause.

The band – a mixture of UK, Canada, Spain and Thailand

They distract and catch the eye with their internationality that melts nicely in the multicultural atmosphere of Manchester. Entering Gullivers that evening, you would know who they are. This international blend of talents includes:

Mike Poplawski – his voice gives the human touch of a partly aggressive background.

Sergio Llopis Pascual – his fingers playing on the keyboard can make you dizzy.

Aaron Colton – his artistic performance on the bass will make you smile.

Suthee Phoncheewin and Shaun Holland – nothing much works without the bass and the electric guitar.

It is a pleasure to watch the band perform live and they won’t let you down on the vocal and the instrumental unity. The sounds were clear and harmonious and they easily filled the close room in Gullivers.

The intimate atmosphere of the venue gave an even more personal touch to the band’s performance. Missed You At The Show are clearly close to their fans.

The music - flows through their veins

Influenced by Gaslight Anthem, Augustana and Smashing Pumpkins, their music is mildly aggressive but it very subtly touches the sensitive and emotional stings of the heart. Melancholy overtones underpin the hard line.

The songs stir up a bouquet of emotions reacting to the strong current of hard tones that is softened by melodious undertones.

The heart rejoices by the sounds of Human, with personal favourite coming in the name of Small Town.

‘It is a small town and I am getting out

Don’t wanna stay here, don’t wanna wait it out

If you come back to me don’t be surprised

You won’t find me here…’

At the end of their performance Missed You At The Show did not forget to remind the audience to give their share for a good cause. They rounded up a night marked by talent, charity and good music.

The future of the band is 'brighht', according to lead singer Mike. Agreed.

Check out their song Small Town below