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There has been much speculation about LCD Soundsystem since 2007’s Sound of Silvers acclaimed success. With James Murphy describing follow up, This Is Happening, to be both groundbreaking and also his last as LCD. As a result there's an air of excitement and anticipation in the air tonight.
Murphy’s broad shoulders seem to handle the expectation bestowed on them with tonight’s performance demonstrating him to be punching well above his weight.
Support act coming in the form of DFA’s Yacht, who are every bit as fun live as their music suggests. Like a modern day ESG, their no-wave, post punk electro serves as an excellent warm up to the slowly congregating crowd.
Predominately a 2 piece, a live band supports the ‘show’ that is Jona Bechtolt & Claire Evens. Bechtolt works the stage, and the crowd like a true pro, kicking off with the calypso jive of ‘Ring The Bell’. I have always said the problem with a lot of music is there isn't enough choreographed dance moves, but Yacht attempt to swing the balance, mixed with Bechtolt’s ice white suit and his Scissor Sisters meets Friendly Fires dancing, you have yourself half an hour of pure enjoyment. Their set stuck mainly to 2nd album See Mystery Lights material, with highlights being the electro pop of ‘The Afterlife’, or set closer ‘Psychic City’. The band even finds time for an impromptu Q&A with the crowd, for which Bechtolts response to buying his braces from TOPS Shop is greeted with rapturous laughter.
Starting with ‘Us v Them’ LCD Instil a mass nightclub feel to the venue from the start, as the crowd erupts. Its incessant congo beat, cowbells and heavy bass, guarantee hysteria in some areas of the audience. Not wanting to give this well oiled crowd an opportunity to rest Murphy proceeds to lead his post punk procession through all 3 albums with impressive pace and vigour. From ‘Tribulations’ deep synths reverberating around the hall to the krautrock experimentation of ‘Someone Great’, LCD fail to put a foot wrong all night. The set highlight, and also the song which Murphy proclaims to be “the most perfect song he’s written” is ‘All My Friends’. From the maintained quick piano to the slow introduction of guitars, and Murphy’s narration of the importance of your chums, brings an emotional arms around the shoulders moment. With the new album This is Happening merely weeks from release the band are keen to air its merits tonight, with latest single ‘Drunk Girls’ already sitting nicely amongst their big hits. The Human League influenced ‘I Can Change’, adding an English sound to LCD’s arsenal of beats.
The self deprecating account of growing old on ‘Losing My Edge’, and the heartfelt account of his hometown’s flaws on ‘New York I love You But Your Bringing Me Down’ make up the encore, then its over too soon.
Legs aching, covered in Sweat (a lot of it not mine), and having just witnessed the gig of the year from a band at their very best. Not a bad Saturday night. TAGS: LCD Soundsystem, Yacht, DFA Records Words by: Andy Best |
