Living in Manchester certainly has its advantages. Not least is the number of concert venues around - MEN, Academy, Apollo and more. I bagged two tickets to see the The Magic Numbers a few weeks ago, and was very impressed with their performance last night.

They are a unique band, not really falling into any particular category. Whilst their style is a fairly generic popular one, they are by no means what you would expect from a standard group. They have their quirks, differences and individual characteristics meaning they don’t fit into the generic mould. Most notably is their apperance, looking shaggy and fairly dressed down.

They played some tracks from their self titled debut album - The Magic Numbers - and also several from their new offering, Those the Brokes. All of these were catchy and well performed. The only negative was their finale song, a strange mix of country and rock called ‘The Beard’. Decidedly strange! It was at that point we left a little early in an effort to grab a taxi rather than walk back in the rain!

As with Zero 7, they’re another band I’d recommend and someone I certainly enjoyed seeing. Their tour is continuing for a good few months yet, Manchester was only their second date, so have a scout around and see if they are playing near you!