The Peer Hat is establishing itself as one the region's great rock n' roll venues where interesting and off-kilter acts are a constant feature. The eclectic feel is reminiscent of Jilly's Rockworld and echoes the ambience of The Lesser Free Trade Hall. Their Manchester Meltdown events are rapidly gathering interest; as you would expect they present a mixed bag of local talent.
Manchester Meltdown 4 is no exception and features acts that may well be familiar to readers of the Salford Star. Rose and the Diamond Hand, Bang up to the Elephant, Matthew Hopkins and Four Candles all feature on a 'something for everyone bill'.
Rose and the Diamond Hand is a wonderfully theatrical goth act. They have an esoteric and arcane feel that sits somewhere between Ziggy Stardust and Siouxsie Sioux. The aggression and raw energy of Four Candles needs to be witnessed first-hand. Their all-action punk set went down a storm at The Eagle Inn Salford Star Benefit late last year. While Bang up to the Elephant are modern take on synth-driven, guitar prog-rock.
Manchester Meltdown 4 also provides an opportunity to see the excellent Matthew Hopkins, and I caught up with Julia from the band to discuss their origins: "Anne and I met when we were children at primary school, age five, and have remained very close ever since" she explained "We formed Matthew Hopkins in 2016, so you could say the band has been a long time in the making. Our drummer is Anne's son, Max, so we are a very close knit unit."
The band is a great three-piece fronted by Anne and Julia, with Max giving a powerhouse backing to Matthew Hopkins' tales of mystery, magic and erm, prostitution. They are a spell-binding live act and their alternative influences and musicianship are evident...
"In our teenage years, we were very influenced by punk and alternative music" said Julia "The Fall were a firm favourite, alongside NMA, Killing Joke and Bauhaus, to name a few. Our musical tastes and influences are now fairly broad - from folk to blues and trance to dance - anything that touches us, really."
Although the band has only been together since 2016, they have years of experience under their belts and have worked with Frank Sidebottom and former members of The Fall. Matthew Hopkins were signed to local independent label German Shepherd Records in 2018, and released their first single, Something, late last year. They are currently developing new songs for their debut album.
Manchester Meltdown 4. What better way to tackle the January blues...
Rose and the Diamond Hand, Bang up to the Elephant, Four Candles and Matthew Hopkins
Wednesday 23rd January
The Peer Hat
14-16 Faraday St
Manchester
£3
Words by Ian Leslie
Photos by Gareth Lyons
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