WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL EVANS
Manchester has long been a bastion for great music. From its historical relationship with bands like The Smiths, Joy Division and New Order to being a home for new bands such as Ist Ist that define the city’s culture, there’s something about the city that speaks to musicians. The Academy 3, perched at the top of the University of Manchester Students’ Union building may not be the largest venue in the city, but it’s intimate, holding about 500 people, which makes it perfect for tonight’s gritty rock ‘n’ roll of Deja Vega and the legendary Jon Spencer.
The venue’s low ceilings and dim lighting set the scene for something visceral to happen tonight and a mixed crowd, spanning veterans of the 90s alt-rock scene to curious younger fans fill the room. Deja Vega are captivating and electrifying to watch and the telepathy between the trio is almost visible. “Eyes of steel”, “Mr. Powder” and “Who we are” are an aural power of screaming mind-altering guitar, insistent spat-out vocals, punishing drums and bold bass lines screaming along at rapid speed. It’s a frantic yet unstoppable and meticulously played set of light, heat, sound and power.
Deja Vega
Jack Fearon: Vocals/guitar/keyboard/cow bell
Tom Webster: Drums
Mike Newton: Bass
An iconic figure in the world of underground rock, Jon Spencer is best known for his work as the frontman of the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, a band that sought to reclaim rock music’s dirty, primal roots with songs like “Bellbottoms”, “Dang” and “Blues X Man” back in the 1990s. He also co-founded Pussy Galore, one of the most notorious and influential American underground acts of the mid-80’s. Their abrasive blend of punk, noise, and lo-fi garage rock, coupled with confrontational performances earning them a cult following. Jon’s fearless approach to genre, his unapologetic embrace of noise and relentless energy have inspired countless bands and musicians such as The White Stripes, The Black Keys and The Hives. This should be good……
Greeted by applause and a few stray shouts of “Jon!” from the crowd, Jon strides up to the mic, makes eye contact with the crowd and we are off. From the very first note, we’re drawn into a fusion of punk energy, raw blues riffs, rockabilly swagger and Spencer’s unmistakable howl. The band’s sound is tight and muscular. The mix of punk, blues, and garage rock coming together in a gritty soup of noise that reverberates through the venue’s walls. Spider Bowman’s drums providing the driving force that creates the perfect foundation for Spencer to do what he does best: lead a sonic assault with swaggering confidence.
After a couple of songs, the set stops abruptly due to amp problems, but after a quick helping hand from Deja Vega’s Jack we go again with a whirlwind of energy and momentum. The guitar work jagged, raw, and powerful. Jon masterfully wringing out every ounce of energy from each note.
The room seems to vibrate with raw energy as raspy vocals cut through the noise with precision. The tempo is relentless, with Spencer’s growling vocals and feedback-laden guitar riffs maintaining the intense atmosphere throughout the set. The room pulses with every beat, the band a tightly wound machine, delivering each song with precision and aggression as Jon moves around the small stage with wild abandon.
Kendall’s backing vocals add a sinister edge to the sound and it’s almost as if we are being told a twisted story with Jon’s vocals and guitar becoming more and more menacing as he feeds off the crowds’ energy. Both new and older tracks create a seamless blend of eras, each song dripping with sleaze and swagger. It’s clear that even in his later years, Jon Spencer hasn’t lost the spark that made him such a force in the 90s. He still has something to say and continues to be a vibrant, vital force in the world of rock ‘n’ roll, showing no signs of slowing down. His swagger, stage presence and ability to effortlessly blend punk, garage, blues and noise remaining as potent as ever.
From his early days with Pussy Galore to the genre-defying sound of the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and through his solo work, Jon Spencer has left an indelible mark on the world of underground music. Tonight, he has reminded Manchester why he’s still at the forefront of this music, delivering a powerhouse performance that feels as rebellious and urgent as ever.
Jon Spencer
Jon Spencer: Vocals/guitar
Spider Bowman: Drums
Kendall Wind: Bass
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I’ve loved music since forever. Graphic designer, photographer and artist at painted.papillon.smile (www.ppsdesign.co.uk)
