And so we’ve come to the final of the series which has taken us on a lyrical journey through some of Manchester’s talented bands and iconic venues.

The documentary series launched on Stream GM last September, uncovering the stories behind some of the city’s songs.

Each 10-minute episode follows the journey of one song born in the region, from the spark of an idea to the process of writing, recording, release and impact.

Filmed in a cinematic style across iconic and grassroots local venues, rehearsal rooms, pubs and creative spaces, this exciting show blends stripped-back performances with intimate, first-hand reflections from the artists.

With a focus on both the city’s rising stars and its more established names, Manchester: Unplugged captures the energy of the city’s diverse and ever evolving scene, while staying rooted in its heritage.

And before you stream the last in the series (which I strongly recommend doing so), I similarly strongly recommend checking out previous eps which include The Covasettes and Such a Dream, K-Klass and Rhythm is a Mystery, and Salo, Set Me Free.

And so, we come to indie rock band, The Guest List and their story behind song Something Real.

There is of course so much more to say, but something I have to address is the 20 year old front man’s (vocals/guitar) name: Cai Alty. And the band being from Altrincham. Which from my tenure as a resident there (throwback to Hale Geezer, y’all), I came to understand was colloquially known as Alty. I mean it’s not a mind-blowing concept, but still. The rest of the band, Tom Quigley (Lead Guitar) Leio Hunter (rhythm guitar) Sid Wallace (bass guitar) and Angus Gilchrist (drums) were kind enough to not blow my mind with their surnames and hometown, and so I’m back on track, after a little lie down.

So yes, the band all met at Altrincham Grammar School (alumni including Ian Brown – you might have heard of him) .

Something Real is a bouncy song – it sounds upbeat , happy , quirky – but with the purposefully jarring yet wonderfully juxtaposed lyrics and narrative of ‘how bleak a lot of things are in the world.’ Think the lyrics of Everybody Hurts but to the poppy strains of Shiny Happy People, if you will.

Songwriter Alty, talks us through the inception, starting with a riff, and swiftly following by the line, ‘war is on trend.’ Taking us through voice notes he recorded as he found his way through what the song was to become, this crossed over with an appearance at Glastobury which, some years more than others, often lends itself to being politically charged and a mouthpiece of protest and strong feelings around injustice and world events of the time.

Angus Gilchrist reveals that the song became known as ‘the riffy one’, given it’s intro and I second that it’s riffy credentials are indeed strong. In fact Alty reveals that he originally wanted the track to be acoustic in its sound, but such was the importance of that opening riff, that led to a late decision to go electric (and unlike when Dylan took similar steps, this feels less controversial and a sound – no pun intended – decision).

Marking something of a new sound for the band, Alty explains that originally he had it pencilled in for a second album, but that their management was so excited by it, there was a desire to immediately record as the first track in their debut album.

As Manchester:Unplugged has shown itself to do so well in previous episodes, what is a stunning showcase for local talent and songwriting, so it is for settings and venues around the city. As the iconic buildings provide a literal stage for the bands, Manchester: Unplugged simultaneously provides a platfirn for the bricks and mortar that they are.

In this episode, locations include Cultplex in the Green Quarter and, drumroll, The Deaf Institute.

This series has been a fantastic addition to the platforms of the past given to Manchester Music, but with it’s own unique style, going firmly into the grass roots of the musicians behind the melodies and the stories behind the song lyrics and composition of some fantastic songs, both retrospectively and excitingly as bands prepare for their debut album releases.

Indeed of this episode, Salford-based producer and creator of the series, Laura Graham-Kay says,

The Guest List are a band I’ve been excited about for a long time. Something Real felt like the perfect song to explore because it showcases Cai’s songwriting at its very best, marks an exciting evolution in the band’s sound and captures a moment when everything seems to be falling into place for them. You get a real sense from this film that they’re only just getting started.”

This and the other 10 minute episodes all bring something different to the table, and do their bit to get you excited for both the music that’s always been there, and that which is breaking through as new and exciting, each culminating in a beautifully acoustic, exclusive performance which is raw, stripped down and gets the viewer and listener up close and personal with songs that all have meaning, passion and individual purpose.

So mancunians, honorary mancunians, mancophiles and music lovers from whereever you dwell – go forth, stream and then stream some more.

You can stream this and all other episodes in the series by heading to https://streamgm.co.uk/manchester-unplugged.

Something Real by The Guest List is out on 28 August. More details on the band can be found at https://www.theguestlist.band/

Check out these Manchester institutions (one literally) at CULTPLEX | and Home – The Deaf Institute.