The Dixie Chicks branded their 2006 gig at the Shepherd's Bush Empire 'return to the scene of the crime'. In an alternative universe you could easily brand American Aquarium's 2023 gig at the Night & Day Cafe 'return to the scene of the triumph'. This venue in Manchester's Northern Quarter has faced its own difficulties in recent times, but it seems to catch BJ Barham's eye whenever he brings his band to this country. On his last visit to our shores in 2018, the band delivered an awesome performance in this venue on an evening crowned gig of the year when time came round to make that judgement. Could they repeat or even surpass that show? Reports from London the night before gave the indication and it was unequivocally proved 24 hours later that once again American Aquarium had smashed it out the park.
55 minutes into the main set there was a chink bringing BJ Barham back to the reality of the rest of us. He paused for a moment, glanced at the set list then instantly resumed an intensity of mesmerising magnitude. The significance of this triviality magnifies around BJ Barham's approach to power through a near hour of unabridged music. No pause, no song introductions, no verbal interaction. It was his way for the evening. Such an approach may defy the norm for this type of audience and offer newbies only one channel to connect. The power, the passion, the intensity of an artist zoned into the moment framed the bulk of the set. The main interjection came when introducing the band during a climactic pre-encore finale and the first part of the encore itself when a transformation to a bare-it-all solo singer-songwriter sent a parting shot that we were in the presence of a rounded performer.
A few facts surrounding this show were it being one of only four UK dates on the current European tour. It is a pity that more cannot be fitted in, although travelling to shows offers an immense reward for the endeavour. The tour is in the wake of American Aquarium releasing their latest album CHICAMACOMICO in 2022. Enhancing a back catalogue now into its mid teens when you toss in the live and cover albums. But the most memorable fact was that 31 band members had bitten the dust since 2006. There was some hope for the 5 on stage this evening. BJ Barham has confessed to looking in the mirror. A timely act as this crack line up looked a super set up to stick with.
Past American Aquarium gigs had conspired challenges to asses where they stand on the country, alt-country, Americana, rock 'n' roll landscape. None of that mattered this evening. This was raw, emotive, personal and captivating. The back catalogue will attempt to provide answers away from the supercharged stage, at least with some clarity on the SLAPPERS, BANGERS AND CERTIFIED TWANGERS outings.
Back to the band for a few post-show reflections. Respect and accomplishment flowed in abundance. The narrow confines of the venue's stage requires a configuration where steel, keys and drums are tucked away almost out of view. There was a case put to me post gig of the steel player getting more opportunity to shine on the quieter numbers, possibly duetting during the acoustic part in what would be an alternative show approach. There was also an interesting vision of BJ Barham re-defining how he comes across in the light of 'American Aquarium: the band'. Greater stability may lead to evolution. He did also briefly try the solo artist route once, but the band concept strongly ties the knot and is core to how the person has battled his own afflictions.
Two weeks earlier another influential American artist turned in a mind blowing performance in Manchester that slightly overshadowed a competent support act. Similarly to Lucinda Williams at the Ritz, American Aquarium brought an artist highly capable of making a fine 30-minute impression. Kirby Brown from Brooklyn New York City entertained with engaging banter and songs. A lasting legacy will come from shows where he is not in the midst of a phenomenal charismatic band leader.
If I was to say that American Aquarium 2023 raised the bar on 2018, the mind may be slightly twisted towards the here and now. Yet 24 hours later the view is solidified from reflection and impact. There was bravery and humility mixed with power and intensity. Memorable shows can come in many different forms. The key is that they lodge in your mind and match the ideals that you strive to witness and experience from the floor. American Aquarium did that at the Night & Day in Manchester this evening. Just like 5 years ago at the same venue and 18 months further back when I saw them for the first time in Oxford. They may come to Birmingham one day. If not, road trips are a must as I want to see where BJ Barham takes American Aquarium next. We can track their music on record, but there is nothing like experiencing the unfiltered magnetism in person. This band re-define the scale of what to expect live, and duly returned to a scene triumphantly.