When it comes to no-nonsense, no bullshit performances, few groups have ever bettered INSPIRAL CARPETS, who your correspondent saw three times, twice at Liverpool's Royal Court and once with the mighty FALL at Manchester's Academy.
So, you could guess the anticipation coursing on discovery of THE LOVERS' rhythm section: none other than ex-FALL stalwarts Steve and Paul Hanley, who along with ex-INSPIRALS vox man Tom Hingley are the core of this new outfit.
Starting off their "INSPIRAL TAP" (!) set list with the brothers Hanley banging out a rattling meaty rhythm, displaying a similar kinetic understanding to their FALL years, only this time bouncing off guitarist Jason Brown (also from "deep house" Manchester group METTLE MUSIC COLLECTIVE) and keyboard player Kelly Wood, who's stepped into the Clint Boon role.
Getting stuck in via the INSPIRALS' "Commercial Rain", the band alternated between Carpets' material (sorry, no pun intended) and Hingley solo compositions, spaced by and large that way throughout the set. Indee, the next song was "Work, Rest And Play", only without a Mars Bar in sight.
THE LOVERS then crunched through "Saturn 5" - one of the most under-rated INSPIRALS tunes - giving it a whole new lease of life thanks to vocal harmonies from Messrs. Brown and Hanley(P) and the robust bass of Hanley Snr.
Now minus the pudding bowl haircut, but sporting a car coat, Tom Hingley broke his silence to apologize for his voice, which he said sounded like the little girl from "The Exorcist". Despite this, he came into his own on "Isolation Tank" - for me the pick of his newer, solo compositions - earning deserved cheers from the small, but committed Lomax faithful tonight.
Tom didn't seem convinced, mind, leering at the audience and muttering "Mmmm" as "Isolation Tank" wound down, only to perk up for forthcoming single "Happiness", executed in typical straight ahead fashion an without the merest hint of KEN DODD, despite its' title.
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Later, Hingley tried a different tack. "Could you all move a bit closer...it feels like I've just been born," he said, obviously using all his silver-tongued charm, as the audience duly obliged, staying stage front up to the glorious end.
Indeed, the final strait produced serious thrills all round: the INSPIRALS cupboard ransacked in fine style with "This Is How It Feels","Directing Traffic" and "Dragging Me Down", but never outshining "Soul Fire", "Man Made" or "Whole." For the encores? "Joe" and "Sackville", as vintage as ever.
This performance proved once and for all how brilliant bassist Steve Hanley is, a mighty bassist who many have imitated but none bettered. It's also terrific to see him on top form and not being berated by the notorious Mark.E.Smith as I remember him last from a Krazy House gig circa 1998. Also, Hanley Jr. reminded us all of his skin-beating prowess and both Brown and Wood gave the songs plenty of colour.
Let's face it, THE INSPIRAL CARPETS were always the top dogs from the "Madchester" heyday,(damn the History books) and tonight's performance only underlined the superiority of their back catalogue, plus a goodly smattering of Mr.Hingley's future intentions. Besides, they're a sodding sight more entertaining than yer average police or hospital drama that you'd be glued to if you weren't here.
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