WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL EVANS
“Spiritualized’s mastery of dynamics creates a truly immersive experience that leaves a lasting impact that transcends the boundaries of music.”
The hallowed hall of New Century Hall, Manchester is the perfect setting for an inspirational and spiritual musical experience tonight as legends Spiritualized are to take the stage. Over the years, the band’s line-up has evolved and transformed, with various musicians joining and departing. Jason Pierce remaining the constant force behind the band, guiding its sonic evolution and lyrical themes. With a discography spanning nearly three decades the band are a mesmerizing and ethereal sonic experience that defy easy categorization. Led by the enigmatic and visionary Pierce, the band have crafted a distinctive musical landscape that incorporates elements from a variety of genres creating a unique and unequalled sonic tapestry. Their music is a testament to the power of artistic innovation and the capacity of music to touch the soul and expand the mind. It promises to be an unforgettable night.
Lights dim, there’s a deafening roar of applause and the band make their entrance into the soft, ethereal blue lights, a little late. Jason in his trademark sunglasses taking his seat behind a music stand. The journey begins. The relentless repetition of “Hey Jane’s” central sprawling riff creates a hypnotic effect as Jason’s fragile, haunting vocals pierce through the hall. His lyrics conveying a sense of longing and despair. Reaching its climax, a wall of noise that envelopes the room is unleashed and the crowd respond with thunderous applause. It’s already clear this is going to be an immersive and cathartic experience. The band seamlessly transition into “She Kissed Me (It Felt Like a Hit)” the pulsating rhythm section and hypnotic guitar riffs creating an otherworldly atmosphere, drawing the sell-out crowd further into the band’s sonic universe, swaying to the rhythm, completely entranced. This is pure rock’n’roll. Powerful, emotional and hypnotic.
Jason’s voice is a vessel for raw emotion, a mix of vulnerability and strength, on “I’m Coming Home Again”. Its dreamy textures and heartfelt lyrics creating moments of intense crescendo and serene introspection. The song infusing the setlist with a dose of nostalgia, evoking memories of home and belonging. It’s emotions reaching every corner of the hall. Emotional intensity continues with “A Perfect Miracle”. Its lush harmonies, shimmering instrumentation and gospel influences infusing the song with a sense of spiritual and emotional depth. “Always Together with You” and “I’m Your Man” further showcase the band’s versatility, shifting effortlessly between the ethereal and the gritty. The crowd are still swaying and nodding, swept up in the music’s irresistible power.
As the night progress’, the band delve into their catalogue with “The Morning After” and “Here It Comes (The Road) Let’s Go.” Further showcasing their enduring creativity and ability to reinvent their sound while staying true to their core. “Best Thing You Never Had (The D Song)” and “Let It Bleed (For Iggy)” are powerful. The former, a reflection on missed opportunities, resonates with many in the audience, while the latter pays homage to the legend Iggy.
“Soul on Fire” and “Damaged” inject a fiery energy into the show, with their intense, anthemic soundscapes. The crowd’s energy surges as they sing along, their voices merging with Jason’s in a euphoric chorus. “Sail on Through” is a sonic voyage into the unknown, a testament to Spiritualized’s ability to transport their audience to uncharted emotional territory.
It’s clear that the night is far from over as “Sail on Through” ends. The impending encores a culmination of the evening’s magic, beginning with “So Long You Pretty Thing.” It’s a bittersweet farewell, a reminder of the fleeting nature of spiritual moments like these. The performance reaching its zenith with each member pouring their soul into the music for the ultimate crescendo, the sonic tsunami of “Come Together”. The unmistakable opening chords filling the hall and the moment everyone has been waiting for. The song, with its sprawling, epic sound, is the perfect culmination of the evening. The choir of backing vocalists joining in, creating a celestial choir that resonates through the very souls of the audience who are now a sea of euphoria, singing along as one, celebrating the unifying power of music.
From the ethereal beauty of “Shine a Light” to the anthemic power of “Soul on Fire” every moment is a revelation tonight. Spiritualized’s mastery of dynamics creates a truly immersive experience that leaves a lasting impact that transcends the boundaries of music, captivating the audience from start to finish. The setlist, featuring songs spanning their illustrious career, is a testament to the band’s enduring creativity and emotional depth. Spiritualized create a musical sanctuary, a place where the boundaries between performer and audience dissolve, the spirit of music soaring to its highest heights, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of those who are fortunate to listen. Spiritualized are a band that defy easy classification, a sonic chameleon that has continually reinvented itself while staying true to its spiritual journey. Jason Pierce’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and emotion has resulted in a body of work that transcends time and genre. Through a meticulously curated setlist that spans their illustrious career, the band have taken the audience on a journey of introspection, transformation, and catharsis tonight and as the song goes “And all the angels singing. Just about got it right”.
SETLIST
1/ Hey Jane
2/ She Kissed Me (It Felt Like a Hit)
3/ Shine a Light
4/ I’m Coming Home Again
5/ A Perfect Miracle
6/ Always Together with You
7/ I’m Your Man
8/ The Morning After
9/ Here It Comes (The Road) Let’s Go
10/ Best Thing You Never Had (The D Song)
11/ Let It Bleed (For Iggy)
12/ The A Song (Laid in Your Arms)
13/ Soul on Fire
14/ Damaged
15/ Sail on Through
Encore:
16/ So Long You Pretty Thing
17/ Come Together
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I’ve loved music since forever. Graphic designer, photographer and artist at painted.papillon.smile (www.ppsdesign.co.uk)