|
Dinosaur Jr...
review
Following in the footsteps of his cohort Evan Dando, J Mascis recently decided to re-form his legendary band. Once again enlisting the services of bassist Lou Barlow and affable drummer Murph, Dinosaur Jr have toured the world and plan to release a brand new album early next year.
For their performance at Concorde 2, they were supported by Actress Hands who debuted a new, more than competent drummer and had only confirmed the gig earlier in the day.
The band’s modesty and unpretentious demeanour was endearing and most of the audience drifted from the bar to the stage by the end of the first song. Quirky, jangling guitar, bass lines reminiscent of the Pixies, three-man harmonies and refreshingly non-intrusive synth lines combined well on the uplifting Stitches, Everybody’s In Love and new single Half An Hour. The highlight of the set was the excellent Never Run - proof that the possibilities of guitar pop music have not yet been exhausted.
Dinosaur Jr.’s unassuming entrance and simple stage set up showed that they also have no need for gimmicks. Throughout the show, Mascis barely addressed the audience at all, instead playing his guitar between songs. Lou and Murph at least smiled occasionally but it was clear that cramming in as many songs as possible was more important than developing their rapport with the crowd.
For a while it seemed like technical problems could have ruined the night. Much to his delight, Lou managed to blow up one of his amps and the level of the vocals was, at first, far too low. Indeed, Mascis’ tumultuous guitar lines were so dominant that perhaps only Brian Blessed could have been heard above them.
Freak Scene provided one of the few opportunities for the crowd to sing along but it soon became apparent that the sheer sonic assault of the three instruments would prove to be the most important component of the band’s live sound. Dinosaur Jr. played most of their classics, including Out There and Little Fury Things, whilst the surprisingly delicate melodies of In A Jar and Feel The Pain contrasted well with the heavier songs. The band’s chemistry was evident on Forget The Swan, proving that, despite their past disagreements, Mascis and Barlow’s vocals still work together perfectly.
After a brief encore break, Dinosaur Jr. returned to the stage to play three final songs. Their excellent cover of the Cure’s classic Just Like Heaven incited more delight than any other song all evening and a bone shattering Kracked highlighted an impressive tightness amongst the band, particularly after so long apart.
Seeing the band at such a wonderful, small venue has made the anticipation for the new album almost unbearable. If their hearing ever returns, it will be an essential purchase for everyone who attended the gig, whether old fans of the band, or new.
|
someone said...
A VIP comment randomly selected for your delight:
"Customers being directed as to where the goods are..."
Said by CLaiRy on Fri, 5th January 2007.
click
to view the photo  |
about Concorde 2
|
Okay, so you may have to walk a bit to reach it... but that just makes it that little bit more exclusive doesn't it! Located along Madeira Drive, the Concorde 2 is a sizeable venue with a huge variety of clubnights and bands on each month. Some top names, some great festivals, World Music... you name it. If you can't find something to pique your interest then you might as well pack your bags and head for Eastbourne... The next Concorde 2 date for your diary:
Saturday, 2nd August
Popstarz Pride Carnival (Pride in Brighton & Hove)
Click for more info and complete listings for Concorde 2
|
|
|
Bulldog
