Manchester Scenewipe

HURTS//SAINT SAVIOUR – Manchester Academy – 08.02.11

Friday, February 18th, 2011, 9:00 am

“This is the proudest moment of our lives.”

Only last year, this synth-pop duo was sitting in a flat in Rusholme Manchester, songwriting a sample set of tunes. A year later, signed to RCA records, “HURTS” is an internationally recognized formation topping charts and touring like there’s no tomorrow. Not bad, eh? Well, that’s what she said.

Manchester Academy 1 is packed with hundreds of proud supporters, more than eager to sing and dance along to the feverishly catchy songs. The lights grow dim, the background music slowly fades out – the air energizes as everyone falls silent. Suddenly, an uproar of applause and excitement rushes over the crowd – 4 backing musicians serenely enter stage as if in contrast to their surroundings. The lights dance against a backdrop of projected film, showing shifting images of people and shapes. A caped figure slowly heads for centre stage. The ceremony begins.

Theo Hutchcraft throws down his cape and sings, the thick textured backing music gracefully enveloping his haunting vocals. The crowd is mesmerized. His partner in crime, Adam Anderson, expressively bashes away at an upright piano, further driving this very rhythmically engaging music. Mid-tempo beats supported by characteristically synthy sounds are instantly reminiscent of the good old days, when Madonna was burning crosses and the Pet Shop Boys were seldom far from number 1 in the charts. The set flows well, Theo ritualistically throwing a white rose into the audience after every song and addressing the crowd many times. “We are finally home”, “I used to live 2 minutes from here” and “This is the proudest moment of our lives” are all enthusiastically received and reciprocated with applause. “HURTS” have many hits and the fans know ‘em all – mouthing the verses and gaily dancing through the choruses. After an hour of commercially satisfying songs (and I mean this in no bad way), they attempt to leave the stage. But the fans won’t have it. Amid fervent clapping, the duo returns to finish off the concert with an encore, showing gratitude for all the support.

As if Manchester needed another reason to be proud. It seems “Hurts” are aiming to join a long line of musical kings – and doing it rather successfully, with gigs sold out all over Europe. Whether these kings approve of the style or vibe is irrelevant – “Hurts” have their eyes set on a prize, and seem eager to pursue it. Like it or not.

WORDS by Exiled From Eden