“Is everyone enjoying a rum-based drink?” Metronomy main-man Joe queried past his tongue (which was firmly in his cheek at this juncture). The truth of the evening was that most people had enjoyed MANY rum-based drinks, almost at the cost of missing the headliners.

While the rum fans were thronging the bar, Sailor Jerry playing cards in hand, Metronomy were dropping the bomb, opening with their most raucous number, You Could Easily Have Me, accompanied by two of Brighton’s premier dance troupe, Sparkle Motion. Although it’s always been catchier than malaria, with Metronomy’s new(ish) incarnation as a four-piece, it’s a veritable stomp-fest, akin to the kind of dancefloor mosh-inducing disco-punk that Erol Alkan used to produce when he played it at Trash.

On tonight’s evidence, the lineup rejig has proved to be a masterstroke . It was as beguiling as watching the three boys standing at their consoles with domed push-lamps taped to their chests at Audio back in 2006 (their Poundshop Kraftwerk era © Steve Chaos) but that didn’t have anywhere near the energy of this new set-up. Gbenga and Anna (bass and drums respectively) bring intensity and energy that was missing when instruments are played with just your index fingers.
Crucially though, the light heartedness remains – with Oscar’s natty dance moves, Joe’s between-song quips and the synchronized salutes. By the middle of the set, the rum had done its job admirably, and Metronomy were doing the same. A sea of smiling faces greeted old faves Heartbreaker and Radio Ladio – Metronomy having found the life in them that the records always signposted. When they come back with a tour of their own, the bar will be deserted, and the dancefloor will be heaving, as though the band themselves were dishing out free booze.

Metronomy
Thursday 30th September
Concorde 2

Words by Matt Barker
Photos by Eleonora D’Ambrosio