Atlanta, Georgia based band Manchestera Orchestra are celebrating ten years of their fourth studio album Cope this year. From a live studio session and live album release to touring with friends like Militarie Gun, Thrice, Lunar Vacation, and The Stuffing, Manchester Orchestra is celebrating ten years in the best way.
On September 10, Manchester Orchestra returned back to Buffalo, New York. For a third year in a row, Manchester Orchestra was able to perform in Buffalo. In 2022, they went on a headlining tour (view my coverage here) and in 2023, they toured through Buffalo with Jimmy Eat World.
Though the crowd in Buffalo was smaller than other shows I have experienced at this venue (including Manchester Orchestra in March 2022), I could tell all of the fans were there for the right reasons. I also enjoyed that the lineup for the night was only two bands instead of the common three or four band lineup.
Los Angeles based band Militarie Gun opened up the show.
Ian, lead singer of Militarie Gun, told a story about how the Militarie Gun and Manchester Orchestra friendship came to be. He shared that he received Andy Hull’s phone number one day and was like, “Should I ask him to collab on a song or should I prank call him?”
“I decided to ask him to collaborate on a song like “you don’t know me or my small band but would you be interested in this…” and Andy responded within a few minutes with “yes.”
Since then, the two bands have done a ton together including this tour along with an alternate version of their song “My Friends Are Having A Hard Time” with Andy Hull featured. They are always continuing to grow and strengthen their friendship and collaborations.
This was my second time seeing Militarie Gun this year and my favorite part about seeing them perform, compared to last time, was the fact that they were able to slow down and change their sound to match the vibe of Manchester Orchestra and what their fans might enjoy.
Militarie Gun will be back on the road this fall/winter supporting Knocked Loose, including another visit to this same venue in Buffalo.
Militarie Gun
“As I’m sitting here writing this, I realize that’s what COPE really means to me. It’s an album of persevering, laughing our way through the fog and kicking all of the ass while doing it… As the creative side of Manchester Orchestra dives head first into our new album, we are so excited to take a few violent breathers and celebrate this album with you on the road this year (with a little HOPE involved if we’re lucky). We can’t wait to see you all,” shared Andy Hull in a quote earlier this year in support of the anniversary.
Along with the tour, Manchester Orchestra performed Cope in its entirety at The Earl in Atlanta, Georgia on March 30, 2023. The live album and performance film, directed by Stephen Payne, released on April 26, 2024.
I left the show feeling just like I did in March 2022, beyond impressed by both bands performing, especially Manchestera Orchestra. The band has a way to keep your attention throughout their whole performance, you never want to look away. Andy Hull has impressive vocals and when he performed a song acoustically, the crowd cheered. Their lights were great throughout the whole performance, sometimes more moody and darker than other moments which also helped keep my attention. I hope it is not too long before I see them perform again.
Overall, Manchester Orchestra was able to celebrate ten years in a memorable way.
Manchester Orchestra
