The O2 Academy with support from So Good
What I’ve noticed over the past 16 months or so since we started our #AtoZMusicalTour and, more importantly, the blog posts reviewing the gigs we attend, is how many of the up and coming bands or those just starting out in their musical careers appear to be trying that little bit too hard while on stage to excite the audience by reminding them who they are, where they come from, etc.
When musical acts become ‘established’ so to speak, the individual personalities, charisma and musical abilities shine through without need of the constant reminders. Is that just experience? Is that because they know the fans waiting to hear them play realise who, what and just about everything else about them already?
At the O2 Academy in Glasgow, Skunk Anansie popped into town to deliver a blistering set of old favourites and teasers for the soon to be released new studio album.
Skin was here effervescent self, Ace is, to bounce back his name, ace on lead guitar, keeping things nice and simple throughout nothing too flamboyant yet forming an integral part to the sound booming out of the speakers.
Cass stood tall and commanding throughout the set. Like Ace not to flashy while strumming his way through the songs, keeping the rhythm intact alongside drummer Mark Richardson who, from up on his raised pedestal had the best view in the house as he mercilessly pounded the drums.
Skin is the focal point for the band. Personality, charisma, star quality. She has it all in spades. Her singing is unsurpassed, putting her whole heart and soul into the songs she has written, practiced, recorded, and on this night, delivered to striking effect.
From the moment the band took to the stage and delivered This Means War swiftly followed by Charlie Big Potato and Because Of You, the audience knew and the band knew as they sensed the energy flowing from the floor, that this night was going to be a remarkable reminder of what 30 plus years of stagecraft the band brings, that they remain relevant today as they did when they broke through three decades ago.
This isn’t a greatest hits revival night. It’s much more than that as the set continues with a mix of old, new and brand new and the audience are just as gripped by tracks from the upcoming album, The Painful Truth, as they are by the classic hits. In some respects, you could argue Skin was with the audience all the way too as she dived into the mosh pit and walk imperiously to the end of the stalls area, sang a wee number then body surfed back towards the stage.
When they finally left the stage after an extended encore, we were left to wonder what had we witnessed? Indie rock? Alternative rock? Alternative metal? Why put them into a pigeonhole. This was a band that has remained at the top of their powers. They have the songs, they have the charisma, then have the musicianship. What more can we ask of our musical heroes and heroines?
Support Act So Good
Enter stage left, three musicians dressed in pink onesies with bright pink balaclavas as they take to their places – drums, bass and guitar. Two backing vocalists follow, and saunter onstage dressed like cheerleaders with tartan skirts to await the entrance of lead singer Sophie Bokor-Ingram in a bright red beret, knee socks and leather jacket and tartan trims.
The music has a very punk aspect to it, though it mixes pop sensibilities with rap too. The songs themselves are very political with the band encouraging the crowd to give a middle finger to the ‘fascist Donald Trump’ early on in the set. The relatively short set leans on songs with a similar punk attitude and is well received by the Glasgow audience. How much traction the band will take away with them by the end of the tour will be interesting to watch.
So Good, So Far as they might say.
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