Liam Frost – Academy 3
 | | Isobel Heyworth (photo: Karen McBride) |
Much has been made of Liam Frost in recent months and anyone present for his opening slot at SWAP will have seen why. Ably assisted by the wonderful Isobel Heyworth, he washed over the assembled with some of the best new songwriting Manchester’s heard in a while. “If you want to say hello, I’ll be at the bar with a soft drink,” he smiled at the end of his set. Hopefully, he was kidding. He deserved to celebrate with something stronger. (CL) Angie Palmer – Academy 2 Angie Palmer’s world is one of gentle vivacity. Sadly there wasn’t many had turned up early enough to catch her excellence at the Academy 2, but stripped down and powered-up, those that didn’t make it missed a treat. Her sound belies her Lancashire birth, and the rich rhythms of her songs sprang with country themes and fiery passion. (CL) Aziz – Academy 3
 | | Aziz (photo: Karen McBride) |
Best known as Ian Brown’s guitarist, Aziz’s solo work is an interesting stitch between the ragas of Indian music and the epic guitars of Mancunian sounds. Despite having to wait for an eternity while a tabla was fine-tuned to the venue’s sound desk, the resulting sounds were an interesting diversion from the traditional songwriting that dominated SWAP, even if Aziz’s guitar did look like a cardboard cut-out! (CL) Patrick Wolf – Academy 3 The first thing that hits you about Patrick Wolf is how much he looks like the VJ Paul King in his 80s heyday, complete with the worst mullet sported this side of Bono’s Live Aid monstrosity. But even that, plus his half waistcoat and bare chest, wasn’t enough to detract from his hideously average tunes. Odd probably doesn’t do Wolf justice, but it’s the nearest that the English language comes to describing him. (CL) The Be Good Tanyas – Academy 2 Despite their equipment and dresses being left in Copenhagen airport, the Be Good Tanyas didn’t let that weaken the gig at all. With unfamiliar instruments, they captivated the audience with their blend of old American folk music and country. The audience – some old fans, some new from the sadly cancelled Shaun McGowan gig, were treated to strong and enchanting harmonies and a beautiful cover of Neil Young’s For the Turnstile. The Be Good Tanyas may have moved away from the original fascination and Radio 2 fame that their first album Blue Horse brought, but the promise that was shown in the newer songs they played that evening left the audience hollering for more. (EM) Damien Dempsey – Academy 3 Thankfully, Shane MacGowan’s cancellation didn’t rob SWAP of the powerful Damien Dempsey. His fiery Ulster tones found a place above Patrick Wolf and like a foghorn; he shook the venue with his massive voice. He was an inspiration after the tedious Wolf, blasting out his own tunes and a brilliant Rainy Night In Soho in tribute to the missing MacGowan. If only he could have had longer… (CL) | 
