GIG REVIEW: Two Door Cinema Club
By MATTHEW HOBBS
THE return of Two Door Cinema club to Manchester was the performance of a band who know what they are doing – polished, punchy teen-friendly indie rock lead confidently by singer Alex Trimble and his Tin Tin-esque haircut.

It really was enjoyable stuff from the Northern Irish three piece, with able support from Bastille, currently making their own waves in pop music.

Numbers from new album Beacon like Sun and Sleep Alone were greeted as eagerly as favourites from debut release Tourist History, which won the Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year in 2010.

The appeal of Two Door Cinema Club is that their upbeat, catchy riffs and vocals can be suited to many occasion – a Friday night gig, in your car CD player or the iPod at the gym.

And judging by the crowd at the Apollo last weekend, it also appeals to a wide age group and audience.

In standing, teenagers jostled for position, bouncing around to favourite tracks, while in the circle groups of girls, middle aged couples and all enjoyed the performance.

And the gig passed quickly, a safe barometer you’ve witnessed something enjoyable.

Hit single What You Know was saved for the final encore, Trimble beginning what at first felt like an acoustic version, elevated onstage and all lights around him dimmed.

But as huge balloons were released from the ceiling and bandmates Kevin Baird and Sam Halliday joined in with gusto, the crowd rose to its feet to dance – a fitting end to a fun night.