Gig review: Hundred Waters, Deaf Institute, Manchester 16/10./2014

The first song I heard of Hundred Waters was 'Down from the Rafters' when I was browsing on Pitchfork, and was taken aback by the instant impact it had - ghostly and sinister with the dark electronic sounds, haunting flute and the lead singers high echo-ey tones. 

I actually booked tickets to see them in Manchester (£8 bargain) at the Deaf Institute (great venue!) purely based on this one song I'd heard, a bit risky, 'cause you never know the rest of their album could have sounded like Jessie J. Thankfully it didn't.

I walked into the Deaf Institute, well a little early, the room actually only had roadies and bar staff about, I was a little surprised to find it quite as empty, however, by the time the support band Emprss came on stage about 10 people had finally made it. Emprss looked like the awkward alternative kids at school that never quite fitted in (giving themselves their own kind of coolness as a result) but not to be fooled by their image, the music was anything but awkward, downbeat electronic loveliness. I must check their EP out. 

Once Hundred Waters appeared the small room had almost filled, which was good for them - to be playing to a decent audience, and for me - the room was warmer and I could finally take my coat off. They opened with one of my now favourite tracks 'Murmurs' Nicole Miglis' vocals shone - from the gentle whispers to the amazing graceful high notes. As the gig went on everyone was mezmerised by the bands sound and particularly her vocals, you could glance round and see transfixed faces. One of the best moments came when Miglis sung 'Show me Love', it may be less than a minute and a half long, but it's a minute and 16 seconds of perfection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2Nh-gbEs5o

They're not a band you go to dance to, a band you go to mosh to, but they could be a band you fall in love to.