The Jesus and Mary Chain

Far more than just another reformed indie band, the JaMC’s performance of classic album ‘Psychocandy’ was a truly exciting event in its own right. The first mini set of non-Psychocandy tracks were fun, with a terrrifying, thudding industrial version of ‘Upside Down’ the highlight, but there was more momentum and vigour about the album performance. William Reid’s lead guitar work was piercing and stunning, with layers of screechy trebly distortion wavering across most of the songs and the memorable riffs and chords chiming perfectly. Their pop songs-meets-distortion framework was devastatingly simple and effective live, a reminder perhaps for recent bands of the merits of forging one’s own distinct identity rather than aping others.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 23 February 2015
Rating:
Joe Fuller