Concert Reviews

Erasure’s 16 th studio album ‘The Violet Flame’ came out in September 2014 and catapulted the band back where they belong: On Top Of Their Game! With long-term fans agreeing that this has got to be their best album in a decade, most of the worldwide media seems to agree, too, hardly ever a bad word is spoken about this little masterpiece. Not surprising then that many dates on their tour are sold out and tickets are becoming a privileged thing to possess. But is the hype worth going to see them, I hear you asking? – The simple answer, and the truth at that, is: ABSOLUTELY Support act SHELTER open up in Wolverhampton on their first of eight dates with Erasure. Shelter themselves released their epic album ‘Emerge’ just recently and their best known song, thus far, is ‘Beautiful’, the single they recorded with Erasure frontman Any Bell, although he is not joining them on stage during their 30 minutes set. At times very “Modern Talking-ish” to watch it feels strange

On a rather chilly night La Roux as well as support act ‘Meanwhile’ brought heat to the venue. ‘Meanwhile’ was hard to classify (which is always a plus) as their songs were  reminiscent of ABC, David Bowie and Heaven 17 all at the same time while being unique as well. Not all songs were necessarily great material but enjoyable nonetheless. Because of the retro feel to Meanwhile’s music I don’t think they will dent the charts anytime soon yet there is a part of me that wishes them well and wants the band to prove me wrong. 30 odd years ago they would have been a smash hit  Not long after ‘Meanwhile’ vacated the stage La Roux aka Ellie Jackson and her four-piece band came on and from the first beat onward it was a sonic feast. Songs from both albums were equally embraced by the audience and at some stage Ellie looked at the setlist and said: “I am actually annoyed that there aren't more songs”. Perhaps these words will be an indication that there won’t be another 5

Isn’t it funny how misery can add charm to a performance?! LAMB bass player Johnny came on stage with an injured leg while Andy Barlow’s & Lou Rhodes’ lighting technician apparently spent his time in the hotel throwing up, leaving the Institutes in-house lighting guy to add pulsating light effects to a pulsating, high energy show. Promoting their new album ‘Backspace unwind’ brings LAMB to Birmingham and ,although the hall is not that full, they were bringing the house down. They sure know how to work the crowd. The majority of the tracks came from the new album and Lou Rhodes delivered beautiful vocals over Andy’s often almost ambient beats and soundscapes. In her white gown Lou looked simply stunning and the way she carries herself on stage lets listeners/viewers escape to their own worlds while being fully present to witness one of Britains best electroic acts doing their magic on stage. Older gems like the chart topping ‘Gabriel’ or ‘What Soun