A few cringe-inducing crackles as jack-plugs are slid into inputs, the obligatory ‘one-twoo, twoo’ from the soundmen and Metronomy slip onto stage, accompanied by a surprisingly loud cheer from the crowd. Everybody knows why they’re here then – to hear the first live taste of Metronomy’s latest album release ‘The English Riviera.’
And straight away they open with the sublime, dreamy ‘We Broke Free’ – an epic masterclass in sweeping Pink-Floyd guitars, Zepplin-esque drumming and phasing keyboards.
Instantly you’re struck by their ability to play live. This may be a re-jigged line up – with the addition of (the rather cute) Anna Prior on drums and Gbenga Adelekan on bass – but they’ve a deft ability to play very tightly together, whilst offering a different dimension to their pre-recorded sound.
Which is aptly demonstrated by the next few tracks. ‘Love Underlined’ builds on its heady syncopated bass line, overlaid with vocal harmonies and great clouds of synchs. Whereas they pull it back completely for the Squeeze-esque ‘Heartbreaker’ – the crowd chanting along to the closing ‘heartbreaker/ I’ll break her’ refrain.
Joe Mount is a very unfrontmanly frontman, yet his personality is stamped all over every track. He attempts some to-and-fro with the crowd, although admits he’s not very good at banter, but this ‘is a safe one’ – ‘Are you all having a good time?’
‘The Bay’ (about Torbay, Mounts hometown) has the crowd moving. The ecstatic ‘it feels so go-ood’ refrain and tech-y bass hammering out of Digital’s excellent soundsystem.
Their trademark synchronised chest-lights are here, winking away, making them look a bit like The Ood from Doctor Who, as are a smattering of the Shoreditch-friendly Kraftwerk-esque synchronised salutes & moves that they pull off, tongues firmly in cheeks.
They bring the set to an end with ‘A thing for me’ and a fabulous rendition of newly released single ‘The Look’ that is, quite simply a gorgeous, outstanding pop song. A rampaging version of ‘Radio Ladio’ as an encore and they quit the stage.
An accomplished band. A great gig. And a fantastic new album – one that will feature heavily in summer playlists everywhere.
Metronomy
Digital
Tuesday 19th April 2011
Words and pictures by Ed Isaacs
