FUR Live - The Deaf Institute (UK Tour)

Words by Tom F-H. Photos by Rozz Cottrell.

In retrospection of my recent adventures to venues with nice seating, The Deaf Institute ranks rather highly. The converted medical facility houses a surprisingly cosy bar and venue, despite what one might conjure up based on its name and history. It is one of Manchester’s many middle-tier venues in terms of size, meaning events housed here range from stacked line-ups of niche genre, to some of the most interesting and revolutionary up and coming artists. It is no surprise, then, that Fur’s Manchester stop landed them here.

While their style of leather, corduroy and (somewhat unsurprisingly) fur is reminiscent of 70s flower-power rock, the Brighton band’s sound bridges the gap between rock ‘n’ roll and indie, and touring with a fifth member responsible for synth sounds transformed their live music into something with both classic and modern sensibilities.

Supporting Fur on their first full tour was Honeymoon, who’s sound was the sonic personification of both honey and a moonlit evening. Their silky smoothness contrasted with Fur’s more rugged rock tones, as the four-piece emerged with crunchy guitar, backed by an additional fifth member in charge of keys and synth sounds. Fur played songs off of their debut album ‘When You Walk Away’ with an air of confidence and integrity that felt as though it was a staple of the genre, and had been for a long time, even though it was only released prior to the tour.

“I can’t believe Marcus Rashford is here…”

Fur frontman Murray has the energy and charisma that really rounds off the band. Their live set was full of energy, and dotted between songs, the band chatted and joked about football, their music and even held a merch raffle to drum rolls. Fur embraced classic genres while their own personality shined through, and I truly think everyone can find something to like about them, whether it is their on-stage antics, or their laid-back tracks.

Special thanks to Harvey and the rest of Fur for putting on such a positive show on a cold, wintry night. Also, apologies that it took me so long to get this written; I had to take a short break from work things but I’m back, baby.

Listen to When You Walk Away on Spotify here. Support Fur directly by buying merch here.