Live_Transmission – Scanner and The Heritage Orchestra Rework Joy Division

The convention with tribute shows is that they consist of cover versions of the titular band’s greatest hits for devoted fans to lap up. The idea isn’t normally to take a band’s work and actually improve upon it. Ambitiously, inventive audio-visual artist and experimental electronic performer Scanner, in this collaboration with previous Brighton Festival favourite The Heritage Orchestra, actually betters some of Manchester icons Joy Division’s songs (blasphemy!). Less like covers and more like strikingly realized elaborations on elements of guitar riffs and drum patterns alongside striking 3D visual effects, this show beautifully brought out the dark emotional punch of Ian Curtis’s music.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 18 May 2012

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