WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL EVANS
It’s been a masterclass in shimmering pop melodies, abrasive noise and controlled chaos and with their unwavering intensity the band have proved yet again that they remain as vital and relevant today as ever.
Tonight, Liverpool, a city steeped in musical history, is playing host to one of the most iconic and innovative bands of the post-punk era. A band who blend a unique concoction of feedback-drenched guitars, melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics to create a sound that straddles the line between chaos and dark beauty. The legendary Jesus and Mary Chain’s ability to evoke emotion through sonic textures and poetic lyricism has made them a timeless force in music. Songs such as “Just Like Honey”, “Never Understand”, ”Some Candy Talking”, “Head On” and “April Skies” have won the band critical acclaim, a fervent cult following and set the blueprint for the shoegaze music genre. The Reid brothers consistently push boundaries weaving elements of psych-rock and industrial into their sound with latest album Glasgow Eyes continuing their celebration of sonic dissonance and proving that their creative fire still burns brightly
Located in the heart of Liverpool’s bustling Cain’s Brewery Village, Content is a relatively new addition to Liverpool’s thriving live music scene, the venues industrial aesthetic a nod to its surroundings. As fans are still entering, Brighton-based quartet Ciel deliver an enthralling opening set that leaves a lasting impression. Led by the ethereal yet commanding presence of vocalist Michelle Hindriks, Ciel’s set showcases their knack for blending dreamy textures with sharp, introspective lyrics. Played live tracks like “Fine Everything” and “Baby, Don’t You Know” are grittier than their studio counterparts and highlight their ability to craft melodic, emotionally resonant songs that feel both contemporary and timeless. Hindriks’ voice, equal parts vulnerable and defiant, cuts through the swirling guitar and her bass with magnetic clarity. The band’s tight rhythm section anchoring the dynamic musical shifts, while the layered guitars create a lush, enveloping soundscape. As their set progresses Ciel’s charisma and energy connect with the audience, gradually drawing more people closer to the stage and by the time of their closing track, the audience is fully engaged, setting the perfect tone for the night ahead.
It’s dark and atmospheric as the first strains of “Jamcod” ripple through the air and it’s immediately captivating. The song’s layered guitars and hypnotic rhythm creating a perfect swirling, sonic introduction to tonight’s headliners, as it envelopes the room in waves of feedback and distortion. Jim Reid’s vocals, haunting and magnetic, cut through the wall of sound with an intensity that belies the band’s years on the scene. To be honest I’ve never heard Jim sound so good. It’s a stunning introduction and the song immediately immerses the audience in the band’s distinct sonic world. Without missing a beat, the unmistakable opening chords of “April Skies” draws a roar from the crowd as they sway to its infectious melody and a wave of nostalgia sparks as they sing along to every word. “Far Gone and Out” follows, its driving rhythm and infectious energy invigorating the audience further. William Reid’s guitar work is electrifying, reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the most innovative guitarists of his generation.
The audience sway in unison to the breezy melody of “Happy When It Rains” basking in the bittersweet euphoria of the track before “All Things Pass” demonstrates the bands ability to evolve while staying true to their core sound. The song’s brooding atmosphere and pulsating rhythm feeling both contemporary and timeless. The same goes for “Chemical Animal” from their latest album which pushes the boundaries of the band’s sound. “Chemical Animal” is experimental with dissonant chords, industrial undertones and on the dark stage glowing in red hues is electrifying. In stark contrast is the dreamy allure of “Some Candy Talking”, the tracks hazy, narcotic quality casting an invocation over the audience, before pounding drums and William’s aggressive guitar break the spell. It’s a look up to the ceiling and close your eyes moment. Wow.
The frenetic energy of both “Cracking Up” and “Head On” bring a jolt of electricity to the room before “Nine Million Rainy Days” unfurls like a slow-burning storm. “Head On(s)” anthemic chorus prompts a singalong, the song’s relentless drive and infectious hook showcasing the Jesus and Mary Chain at their most accessible.While the emotional intensity of “Nine Million Rainy Days” marks a poignant high point of the evening. Jim Reid’s delivery raw and vulnerable, bringing the song’s themes of heartbreak and despair to life as the crowd stand transfixed, lost in the melancholic beauty of the performance.
We’re plunged into the band’s early, raw aesthetic with “In a Hole” and “Never Understand”. The visceral power of “In a Hole” is undeniable and “Never Understand” with its blistering intensity and jagged guitars is a chaotic burst of noise and energy reminding everyone of the band’s punk roots and their pioneering role in the noise-pop movement.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments comes with “Sometimes Always” a duet featuring Michelle of Ciel. Her ethereal vocals earning rapturous applause, complementing Jim Reid’s perfectly, adding a fresh dynamic to the bittersweet love song. Michelle returns to the stage once again for “Just Like Honey” a track so iconic that it transcends the boundaries of time her vocals adding a hauntingly beautiful dimension to the classic track leaving the audience spellbound. The evening concludes with “Reverence”. it’s an explosive finale, the songs defiant lyrics and pounding rhythm serving as the perfect end to an unforgettable evening that encapsulates everything the Jesus and Mary Chain stand for: intensity, rebellion and unrelenting passion.
From early classics to more recent material, the Jesus and Mary Chain have delivered a set drenched in nostalgia, innovation along with the raw, unfiltered energy that has defined their nearly four-decade career. Tonight, they have never sounded better. It’s one of the best times I’ve ever seen them and I finally get to photograph them. It’s been a masterclass in shimmering pop melodies, abrasive noise and controlled chaos and with their unwavering intensity, the band have proved yet again that they remain as vital and relevant today as ever.
SETLIST
1/ Jamcod
2/ April Skies
3/ Far Gone and Out
4/ Happy When It Rains
5/ All Things Pass
6/ Chemical Animal
7/ Some Candy Talking
8/ Cracking Up
9/ Nine Million Rainy Days
10/ Pure Poor
11/ Head On
12/ Venal Joy
13/ Blues From a Gun
14/ Sidewalking
15/ Between Planets
16/ In a Hole
17/ Sometimes Always
18/ Darklands
19/ Never Understand
Encore:
20/ Just Like Honey
21/ Taste of Cindy
22/ Reverence
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I’ve loved music since forever. Graphic designer, photographer and artist at painted.papillon.smile (www.ppsdesign.co.uk)