Factory 251 is legendary on the Manchester music scene, best known as the headquarters of Anthony H. Wilson’s Factory Records after it moved from Alan Erasmus’ Didsbury flat in 1990. Staying close to it’s roots, it was converted to a live music venue by Peter Hook in 2010, and it’s great to see that the iconic red-brick building is still playing host to live music. Friday night saw a visit from Pistol Daisies, The Sukis and The Jacques as they took to this historic stage for their ‘Wheels in Motion’ tour.
First on the bill were Pistol Daisys, who had the unenviable task of playing to a crowd that was still finding its way into the venue. It was a challenge they handled with ease, winning over the audience with their distinctive sound. The Glasgow-based duo effortlessly blended pop-country with funky disco grooves, earning cheers and applause as the room began to fill. Guitars reminiscent of Dire Straits complemented lead singer Lorna’s soaring vocals, while drummer Lewis provided a driving, steady beat throughout. Closing with a rousing version of ABBA’s Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight), this is certainly a duo worth keeping an eye on.
The Jacques brought a different energy to the room. The four-piece stormed onto the stage with guitars, attitude and an undeniable presence, launching straight into their sixties-inspired rock and roll. Their layered vocal harmonies sat atop blasting guitars, a funky bassline and driving drums, creating a sound that echoed Merseybeat, 90s shoegaze and psychedelia in equal measure. The crowd responded enthusiastically, moving ever closer to the stage as the band’s infectious energy filled the venue.
Last were The Sukis. Being from Liverpool, it’s easy to draw comparisons to the classic Merseybeat sound, and while there was certainly a strong sixties influence, there was also an element of early-2000s indie rock. Think The Beatles and The Coral with a modern twist. They took to the stage with confidence and wasted little time getting the audience moving. A passionate fanbase sang along throughout the set and even treated guitarist James to a rendition of Happy Birthday, leaving him looking suitably embarrassed.
Frontman Tige commanded the stage throughout, balancing charisma with a genuine connection to the crowd as the band powered through tracks including Becca, Intimacy and their latest single, Olivier.
The band were keen to highlight the importance of supporting small independent venues throughout their set. Guitarist James stepped up to the microphone to explain that their Wheels in Motion tour is taking them to grassroots venues across the UK, encouraging concertgoers to support venues by buying drinks and backing bands through merchandise sales. It’s critically important for the stadium-filling bands of the future that our grass roots venues are supported today.
Factory 251 proved to be the perfect setting for a night like this. Its intimate atmosphere allowed every song to hit with maximum impact, while the small but enthusiastic crowd demonstrated just how much appetite there is for emerging guitar music. By the end of the evening, all three bands had left a lasting impression and given those in attendance plenty of reasons to come back for more.
The Sukis: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
The Jacques: Instagram | Facebook |
Pistol Daisys: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Photography and Review by Kristy Eighteen
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