A quick look through Performance’s history suggests that this is a band that shouldn’t even exist. School friends Joe Stretch, Laura Marsden and Joe Cross formed the band in 2003 and quickly became well known on Manchester’s live scene. A deal with Polydor records followed in 2005 but was scuppered by various bouts of romance and violence leaving the band in tatters.

Despite this, in 2007 the group let bygones be bygones and released their debut album (We Are) Performance to excellent reviews – only for lead singer Joe Stretch to sign a publishing deal and putting out two books over two years; Friction and Wildlife. Whilst Stretch was busy writing novels, Marsden and Cross formed another band, Kiss In Cities. On top of that Cross was spending time producing songs by Hurts and The Sound Of Arrows.

At some point during their various projects the three school friends managed to find time to put together a second album. Red Brick Heart is released on 4th October and the band will be touring with Hurts on their autumn tour.

Whether intentional or not, Performance’s Manchester influences are impossible to ignore. Touches of New Order can definitely be heard while Cross’s work with fellow Machunian’s Hurts shine through on various tracks across the album. The trio have managed to create a sound much larger than might be expected from a three-piece, with each track on the album seemingly destined for live play, their music is bound to capture audiences on their upcoming tour.

Although fate may have had the band splitting up, starting new bands, writing books and more, it’s a good thing they stuck together. Performance are a solid band and Red Brick House is a great album.