Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *
The sweat and perspiration was still dripping off the audience’s clothes as they filed out of the Academy, Liverpool after yet another feast of relentless and pulsating music by one of the most potent and loved bands to come out of Britain in the last 40 years. For the Stranglers, nights such as they experience in Liverpool, are amongst the finest they can surely experience and for the fans that bounce and rock with them, the admiration is mutual. The tour is called Feel It Live and by the end of the night everyone had certainly felt that request.
There is a simple reason of course and that is Baz Warne, Dave Greenfield, J.J. Burnel and Jet Black really know how to give a show, no matter the situation and no matter what seems to go on around them. Even with Jet Black sadly taking a back seat from performing for lengthy periods during gigs, the four men in black steamroller over the opposition and make their sets full of exhilarating tracks. With Jet missing the first part of the night and with Jim Macaulay giving a polished performance on the stool, the band opened the evening with Toiler on the Sea and Goodbye Toulouse.
The music resonated around the o2 Academy in a way that so few bands are able to really capture live. Such is the professionalism that they employ and the way that it is delivered was breath-taking and fascinating. Even then there are the moments in which the music is upstaged by the antics of the group members, the odd little flourish and raised eyebrows speak volumes of four people that are very comfortable in each other’s company. It raises more than a smile, it gives a reason to let loose and let the music prosper.
Amongst other tracks performed on the night were (Get A) Grip (On Yourself), the superb Norfolk Coast, Peaches and Duchess. There was also time to tip the black hat to the Feline album which celebrated its 30th anniversary at the start of the year as they played the excellent European Female.
The adoration for Jet Black, the man who has kept time for the band with passion and style flowing out of every time he gets behind the drum kit, was unremitting and in continuous. From the moment he came on stage, taking over the duties from the superb Jim Macaulay, the shouts from the audience were strong and full of love for the man who has given everything in the name of Stranglers. Not one to miss a chance to give Jet his due, at the end of every song towards the end of the night, J.J. Burnel made sure the crowd showed their appreciation for the drummer by waving his hands in the direction of his friend. It was a gesture that spoke volumes for the respect that Jet Black holds, within the group and from those that make their way to every gig on every tour.
The Stranglers finished off a fantastic night of good old fashioned rock with the songs Golden Brown, the forceful Skin Deep, the indomitable Nice ‘n’ Sleazy, Something Better Change and the crowd pleaser No More Heroes.
They don’t come much better than The Stranglers when performing live; there is no pretence, no hiding place, just superb music.
Ian D. Hall