Quicksand – Manchester Academy 23rd October 2023

Quicksand celebrate 1993’s Slip

Quicksand released their “Slip” album in February 1993 and it is this brilliant record that is being celebrated in Manchester tonight as the band play it in it’s entirety. It is a special record with each track being greeted enthusiastically by this Mancunian crowd. The set begins with Fazer, which was released as the first single. Most of this crowd, who may have bought this record when it came out, will now be in their early fifties (just like this diminutive Northern Irish rocker) so don’t expect lots of moshing or stage diving etc. We will leave that to the youngsters but the smiles from the crowd say it all, and to be honest they are matched by those found on the band.

There is no banter between songs from frontman Walter Schreifels but he never stands still and with eyes often closed putting every ounce of his energy into performing these songs that obviously mean the world to him. And he never stops dancing…yes, dancing and it‘s a joy to witness. Head To Wall, Dine Alone follow before the album title track, Slip makes me remember the very day I heard these songs performed live. I was on a US Tour in April 1993 with with Therapy? and headline act, Helmet. Quicksand are as glorious today as they were as young pups some thirty years ago! I can’t help but wonder if they have Dorian Gray on their payroll as the band all look in such great shape. Schreifels and bassist Segio Vega barely having a grey hair between them which is particularly impressive on the latter’s wonderful mohawk!

With the tracks being played in the order they appear on the album I am surprised to hear the instrumental Baphomet and I am starting to panic as the final Slip tracks, Too Official and Transparent, thinking that may be the end of my evening. I need not have worried as the band come back to the stage and we are treated to the likes of Colossus, Thorn In My Side and Landmine Spring. As I make my way home across the Pennines, I think about what Quicksand mean to me and the word that comes into my mind is joy. A lot of bands from the 90’s (and since) in a similar genre as Quicksand are full of aggression and anger but Schreifels was never like that. Quicksand always seemed to be about positivity and togetherness, just like his post Quicksand band, Rival Schools. I think this is what makes tonight so special and when the frontman puts his hands together in thanks, the appreciation is multiplied and echoed back at him.