Gang of Four @ The ArtrageBakery, Perth (08/03/11)

Mon 14th Mar, 2011 in Gig Reviews

It is not often that one has the opportunity to experience a musically orgasmic show, let alone hear a performance by such a notorious outfit as Gang of Four. This was the appearance of a lifetime for a few fortunate Perthites, with The Bakery as a fitting backdrop to this redolent occasion. The release of Content in January ended the band’s 20 year hiatus and signalled an exciting tour prospect.

Sweaty, visceral and uninhibited, Jon King possessed the stage with his Jesus-like oscillating frolic and antics full of raw energy (including a microwave used as percussion). The awe-inspiring presence of lead singer King was a treat to look upon. Just as the original Gang of Four leaders of the Chinese Party were known for their excesses, the band indulged in every song they performed. Their sound was crisp, opulent and resonant, giving depth to their original records and compelling the audience into a frenzied dance off. Thomas McNeice’s rhythm section was strong and harmonic, while Andy Gill’s spiky guitar vibrations brought out a fresh and sexed up edge to the show. Mark Heaney on drums was precise and showed an unabated force that left a strong impact.

The electrifying opener You’ll Never Pay for the Farm from their new album brought the crowds rushing in and channelled their innermost punk rock kid. Gang of Four followed on with an entrancing Not Great Men and the sputtering effect of Ether. Paralysed really lived up to its name and had the whole crowd in a zombie-like daze. A centrepiece of the set list was a brilliantly executed Anthrax, followed by a robotic rendition of It was Never Gonna Turn Out too Good courtesy of Gill. The funk/reggae bass on Why Theory was a riot and King’s primal howl on To Hell with Poverty was a perfect match to the pulsating drumming and razor sharp bass lines of fellow band members.

During_He’d Send in the Army_ King used an aluminium bat to pound a microwave filled with popcorn to smithereens, while the crowed watched on in reverence. The UK gentlemen wrapped up their show with a slow build up to a vigorous At Home He’s a Tourist that left fans satisfied and brimming with excitement. The band chose not to play Natural’s Not in it much to the dismay of the ardent public. Nonetheless, they certainly engaged the audience with their sincere interactions throughout the show that were gladly and enthusiastically reciprocated.

Support was lent by the droning sounds of neo-psychedelic dub outfit Injured Ninja, who offered an apt interlude to Gang of Four.

Gang of Four’s insane kinaesthetics on stage and their amazing sound will endure in memories for a long time. Their new material is not something to leave one wanting more, but the band’s animated live take on their classic records was redeeming to say the least. Here’s hoping they make an even more impressive return to Australia in the not too distant future.