Hey! Manchester promotes gigs by folk, Americana and experimental bands from around the world in Manchester, England. Read more here, see below for our latest shows, check out our previous shows, contact us, or join our mailing list, above.

Upcoming shows: Chris Brain... Mr Ben & the Bens... Daudi Matsiko... Jolie Holland... Christof van der Ven + Niamh Regan... Ariel Sharratt & Mathias Kom... Giant Sand... Melanie Baker... Sophie Hutchings... Jerron Paxton... Ghostly Kisses... Sounds From The Other City 2024... Francis of Delirium... The Buffalo Skinners... The Handsome Family... Memorial... His Lordship... Florry... Bad Bad Hats... Dana Gavanski... Caoilfhionn Rose... The Lovely Eggs... Rain Parade... Charlie Parr...

When: 7.30pm on Friday 23 March 2012
Where: The Deaf Institute, 135 Grosvenor Street, Manchester M1 7HE

We’re excited to be promoting a headline show for Hey! Manchester regulars Driver Drive Faster, supported by Golden Fable and GladEyes.

Driver Drive Faster are a new band from Manchester, but you wouldn’t necessarily tell: this masterful debut album Open House presents a rich, timeworn sound that exists somewhere between Americana and spectral indie rock. It’s crafted songwriting at its best, hinging on stirring chord sequences and moments of fragile beauty. Recorded in the shared digs in which the entire band reside, the album was a labour of love begun in late 2009, poured over in 2010 and released in 2011. The result is a lush, layered record that slowly draws you into its world. Think Mercury Rev’s Deserter’s Songs for a new generation.

Taking their name from the first line in WH Auden’s poem Calypso, in which he’s running late to meet his lover, Driver Drive Faster have, in their short career, supported The Aliens, The Phantom Band, Darwin Deez, Japandroids and more, recorded live sessions for 6Music’s Marc Riley and received airplay on Radio 1 and Radio 2. They graced 2011’s festival season too with slots at Green Man, Beacons, FOM Fest and Sounds From The Other City.

Driver Drive Faster release their new single, To Return, on Akoustik Anarkhy and Static Caravan this spring – featuring No Return on the A-side:

‘Driver Driver Faster’s debut album is subtly magnificent… like a scrap book of our favourite bands’ – The Fly

‘Ghostly delight of a debut’ – Q

‘Ambitious, big-vision pop… widescreen arrangements, ponderous piano and blissful country rock’ – Uncut

Support comes from two fine products of Manchester’s music scene, Golden Fable and GladEyes.

Golden Fable are Tim McIver and Rebecca Palin, who were the driving force behind multi-instrumental cult group Tim and Sam’s Tim and the Sam Band. After a heavy touring schedule, major festival appearances, a highly acclaimed album and many radio sessions, the duo decided that it was time for the charming innocence of Tim and Sam to grow up – Golden Fable was born. Any illusions of a stripped back acoustic duo quickly dissipate when listening to debut single Chill Pt. 2. Quirky beats introduce multi-layered synths, acoustic guitars and choral vocal style, soaring to a crescendo of electric guitars and two voices. This is electronic infused, folk-tinged pop that picks you up and takes you to another place.

Originally consisting of members of Bone-Box, the Guthries and Polytechnic, ‘GladEyes vs Geography’ resulted in the loss of two members (one to Brighton, one to London) after tracking for the first album had been completed. Ultimately though it was a win for GladEyes, with the addition of two members ofSamson & Delilah to take the departed brothers’ places. Noted influences include Can, Neil Young, Sonic Youth, Talking Heads, Mingus, Pavement, the Grateful Dead, Television and Tinariwen. The debut record is currently being mixed, and preparations are well under way for record no. 2.

Tickets are available from the bar, Common (both no booking fee), Piccadilly Records, Vinyl Exchange, Seetickets.comWeGotTickets.comTicketline.co.uk and on 0871 220 0260.

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All shows are 18+ unless otherwise stated.