Having trodden the pebbles of Brighton for the first time, tonight the Minnesota four-piece are immersed amongst the sweaty revelers of The Haunt. Following its birth in 1997, the band are now within their fifth album cycle, the most recent being June’s ‘Go’. We see impressive performances from Aussie troupe, ME, and fellow Yankies, Now Now – but MCS are still the main focus for this evening’s show.

Owning the stage tonight, Motion City Soundtrack have the floor pulsating with the crowd’s movements from the outset. To loyal chants, they open with ‘My Favourite Accident’ – a pop rock anthem bursting with energy. Justin Pierre, the voluptuous-haired frontman and vocalist, entices us with the crisp and pitch-perfect lullaby he delivers, even in a live environment.

Despite their longevity, Motion City Soundtrack continue to exert themselves, progressing through an extensive career of catchy and hook-ridden tracks. When they give us an exclusive airing of new song ‘Son Of A Gun’, we get the sense that the band’s followers are still keen to hear what they’ve got to offer.

Nevertheless, an incredible cry of recognition meets the opening twangs of ‘L.G. FUAD’ – a song dripping with metaphors, yet nailing an honest analysis of life. The set for tonight’s show consists of a sprinkling of new material, but the older tracks get the biggest kudos.

Pierre’s blatant and honesty-soaked lyrics seem to ring true with the crowd. This is especially so in ‘Everything Is Alright’, played during the encore. The song tackles the finicky rituals that accompany OCD tendencies, coated with the dismissive and protective phrase that is the title.

It may no longer be 2003, but Pierre and the gang certainly know how to get their audience moshing, singing and perspiring. Judging by the hefty crowd tonight, they have no reason to give up any time soon.

The Haunt, Tuesday 18th September 2012
Words by Lizzi Hart
Photos by James M Hole