From start to finish, the group was so flawless it's a wonder if they've ever had an off night. Things truly began to pick up during "Orchids I," and with Omar's absence, the band told the story through sound in a way that so many others have tried and failed to do.

Instead of playing a soundtrack for the story, The Manichean acted as an extension of Sinclair's actions, thoughts and feelings. While it seems like a given, it's not necessarily true.

Not many bands could muster up the material, talent and energy to pull off a conceptual album as strong as Lovers. Even fewer bands could pull off the same elegant display of what it means to be inspired; to take a thought or a feeling and turn it into a story that should be experienced over and over again.

After intermission (and a performance from Two Star Symphony), The Manichean picked up where they left off.

Sinclair's dark, desperation kept viewers were on the edges of their seats, watching as he fell apart in agony. And though his love for Omar was fictional, Sinclair committed to the role so much that it was felt throughout the performance.

Twice, the crowd erupted in cheers, which isn't customary for a performance that felt more like a musical or play. However, it was be hard to sit through Lovers and feel unmoved.

However, unlike their last performance, The Manichean performed "Lacerus" as an encore following the standing ovation they received once Lovers concluded. It was the only moment that felt like a rock band was performing, when nearly half the audience remained standing for the finale.

In just over two hours, The Manichean proved they aren't just another band from Houston. Instead, their talent crosses over into so many different territories that they have become a living, breathing testament to Houston's diverse cultural and art scene.

In so many ways, The Manichean doesn't need justification. To put it simply, they are one of Houston's gems.

Personal Bias: One of my favorite things about going out in Houston is spotting Justice. It sounds weird, but his cat goes with him on a leash and it's the coolest cat ever. The first time (and only) time I met Cory was at a Bayou Flesh reading last summer at Khon's, so I felt even more compelled to catch Lovers. Nice guy.

The Crowd: A genuine mixture. Everyone was pretty dressed up and seemed ready to party. It was nice to be at a concert for a local rock act where girls were in pretty dresses, heels and drinking during the show. There were some other locals in the crowd -- Chase Hamblin, Kitty Beebe and Kam Franklin were all spotted.

Random Notebook Dump: I had a hard time finding someone to go with me to this show. In Houston's defense, Valient Thorr was in town. Regardless, I need to find friends who aren't so wary of bands I describe as "literary" and "conceptual."