Manchester Orchestra @ The Electric Factory.

Text by Ashley Hall. Images by Brandee Nichols.

On Friday, Manchester Orchestra managed to take The Electric Factory, one of the largest venues in Philly, and turn it an intimate, honest conversation.

The guys grabbed the crowd’s attention with strength, opening with “April Fool,” a single from their most recent album Simple Math. Frontman Andy Hull sent chills through the crowd, intertwining his crisp sound with power-filled screams, each one answered by fan’s approval.

The band seemed to put all they had into each song, and for good reason. Hull has repeatedly called Simple Math an autobiographical album, created from the struggles he has had, and his recreation.

Although the setlist was filled with songs off their newest album, there was a balance kept with older favorites like, “Shake It Out” and “Colly Strings.”
The show ended as it started, potent and sincere. The three-song encore included the heavy hitters: “Virgin,” “Everything To Nothing” and “The River.”

Opening acts included The Dear Hunter (the two images below) and White Denim (the bottom image).