The Hours: 1 December 2008, Ruby Lounge Manchester

There’s a new kid on the block. Let me explain. I’ve probably attended more live shows in 2008 than any previous year, including several that are some of the best I have ever witnessed.

But I’ve also seen some of the most mediocre shows from bands that have sold many records and peppered the charts with singles and albums (backed by enormous levels of radio and TV airplay). The performance Holy Grail for me is to witness a band that I believe is capable of going far - nationally and internationally – on its own musical terms. Enter The Hours.

Last year I received The Hours debut album (‘NARCISSUS ROAD’) and loved it for its maturity, intelligence, emotional pull, musicality and performances. Other reviewers showered it with praise but that’s about as far as it went, with sales and airplay barely visible. However, I don’t assess a band’s quality until I’ve seen them play live and so was delighted when I received an invite to one of the band’s rare performances in the North West at Manchester’s intimate and sexy Ruby Lounge. I was reminded of bands like Muse, JJ72 and Keane who I first witnessed perform in tiny venues at the beginning of their respective journeys; testing out their tunes and tackle to sell-out but small audiences. Could this be the same cautious strategy?