The Louche, Father Sculpter and Emperor Zero at Soup Kitchen

SWAYS Records have become so ingrained in Manchester’s musical zeitgeist that it is hard to remember a time before they came along. But back in 2009, before the album releases, NME features and bunker shows (as well as the machete gang that closed one of those shows down), they were a simply just a little local label, putting out three 7″ singles by bands they liked. One of the bands from that initial run – Emperor Zero – open this show at Soup Kitchen tonight, having come back from hiatus to put their second single, Mental Health Café, out on the imprint. Another of the three headline, with The Louche making their first live outing in over a year, a comeback that should spread joy in the hearts of any who have seen their euphorically somber songs played live in the years that have passed since that first vinyl. Though we’d love to say Father Sculpter – main support here – are the other act to have sprung forth from SWAYS’ first foray into wax, but they’re much too young – and beautiful – to have been involved, but are simply just a very good pop band who deserve your time, your attention, and your money.

Fri 24 May, Soup Kitchen, 31-33 Spear Street, M1 1LE, 0161 236 5100, £5, http://www.skiddle.com/