Brian Jonestown Massacre, Riverside, Newcastle
- Written by Lee Hammond
The Brian Jonestown Massacre are a prolific bunch; something evidenced by the merch stand and the plethora of their albums for sale at tonight’s show. With so many tracks to choose from to it comes as no surprise that there is no support act this evening, instead the band are set to play a mammoth three-hour set. Something that is almost unheard of unless you’re The Cure, as they have a tendency to that as well.
Taking to the stage shortly after eight, the band seem to be in high spirits with band leader Anton Newcombe filming the crowd as they take to the stage. They waste no time in getting stuck into their set though, their very languid style aids a rather chilled out evening of some of the finest shoegaze around. Opening with the wonderfully hazy 'Never, Ever!' It sets the pace and tone perfectly.
However, the band do seem to take issue with the lighting after the first track, unfortunately due to the venues skylights, there is little that can be done to create the darkened atmosphere. They plough on regardless their tempo barely wavering, the chugging beats combined with bright riffs.
It does seems to become somewhat monotonous however, there is little enthusiasm being exude from the stage, for some this may not be expected. It’s a very relaxed set from the band, these huge swirling, slowed down anthems please a hefty proportion of the crowd who can be seen nodding along amidst the increasing haze of the smoke coming from the stage.
The latter part of the set maintains the pace but offers a slight variant on the previous tracks, with 'Groove Is In The Heart' and 'Whatever Hippie Beach' lifting spirits ever so slightly. It is a consummate set from an exceptional band, and though they rarely deviate from a well-prescribed blueprint, it does have its merits.
Unfortunately, it lacks any real power; the tracks seemingly blending into one and the excitement never really transpires for most. In all though the extended set is what lets tonight down, with half the amount of time but perhaps a lack of some the embellishment it would have offered the enthusiasm that was lacking. However, take nothing away from the Brian Jonestown Massacre, their expansive back catalogue is hugely impressive and tonight they truly show it off.