Fan Review - UK Surrealism Part Two By Darren/DefDazz

We thought it was only polite to show up to both concerts so here we are at the Water Rats Theatre. Or as it could also be known - some tiny pub in Kings Cross. Unlike the Barfly this venue had some cool UK tour posters on the wall outside. If only we'd left early we could have grabbed one, but some hoods already had by the time we did. So I made do with a signed watermarked US edition of "Surreal" signed by all the band (Thanks Simon).

After waiting for a short time in the bar we made our way into the tiny venue - but larger than last night - and awaited the second show. Ronan McHugh in his sound booth at the back and as Simon had said the band were indeed filming the show. Various cameras around including one on a tripod right at the back, one side stage, a few around Paul's kit and later some guy on the right stood on an equipment case.

Two support acts tonight to suffer through - actually not too bad and both had decent guitarists. Imajim (I'm A Jim) more of an indie band (featuring the drummer from The Muppets) and Caimbo (from Cambridge) more of a 90s style British classic rock act. A bit like Little Angels or GUN. They played slightly longer with about 6 or 7 songs. Both short enough that it didn't seem like too long of a wait for the real event.

Unlike night one this venue had much better lighting and even a big red curtain at the back (so that's where it went). A slight over use of an annoying strobe at times but a decent venue. Both shows had about 100-150 people in them. As you can see from the excellent professional looking pics above.

Man Raze started tonight just before 10pm. No wading through the common people (not us, the rest of 'em!...) tonight. They had more room on stage and filtered on from Phil's side looking in good spirits with Phil thanking everyone for being here on the last night of their mini tour and for his birthday wishes. And once more they kicked into "This Is".

Being further back made the sound a lot clearer and we were able to appreciate just how good they sounded. Phil's vocals and guitars were much more audible tonight. The DVD footage should be excellent to watch.

Not much more to add from the review of night one apart from it was just as good and if anything even better. Once more the highlight would have to be "Spinning Out", "Runnin' Me Up" and "Can't Find My Own Way". Just superb. Any live footage you've seen online really doesn't do justice to being there and seeing Man Raze play live in front of you at proper volume. They rocked. And the ending to the show was even better than it had been at the Barfly. Phil singing his heart out on "Search And Destroy" and another great version of "Fire". Which incidentally features lots of singing by Simon who was also in fine voice on both nights and probably the most energetic member of the band. Bouncing around and interacting with the front rows. You can tell all the band were, as Phil said, thrilled to be playing some shows at last. And we were thrilled to have witnessed them.

Getting to meet Phil and Simon and chat at length with them again on both nights was also a thrill. Thanks to both of them, especially Simon for their kindness. Phil told us they would be back next year in the UK and that they had about 20 songs "on the go". 'Simon Says' the shows may be around Feb-Mar time and they'd be on a TV show as well. Watch this space. Can't wait for more shows and the DVD.

Man Raze really are a great band and a truly great live act - buy the album and go and see them.