[Trash-talk] Scala gig review (AU magazine)

[Shirley Vixen]

Also featuring a Scala gig review

"Garbage
Scala, London
by Louise McHenry

Almost three years after their last London showcase, Garbage are back with a 
special "fanclub-only" show to promote new album "Bleed Like Me".  With no 
support and an incredibly lengthy wait before the band arrive, one could be 
forgiven for feeling a little bored and impatient.  When they finally storm 
onstage to play the twisted, eerie "Queer" in pitch darkness, any doubts 
disperse.  "Bad Boyfriend" is the first of only five new songs played this 
evening.  It is a fiery, explosive song reminiscent of old-school Garbage - 
fierce and pounding.

While it is singer Shirley who catches the eye with her short dress and 
fishnets, gyrating around the microphone stand, bounding across  stage 
before dropping to the floor and doing impromptu press-ups, 'the boys' have 
finally found their own presence, playing up to the crowd.  The mood is 
upbeat as the band fly through a range of past hits such as the dark "Push 
It" which comes to an abrupt end as Shirley misses a cue and sends her 
bandmates into a spiral of confusion.  hey laugh it off and launch straight 
into a bouncy version of "Only happy When It rains" - one of many songs 
which has received an update for 2005.  This is something to note about 
Garbage.  It is easy to wonder whether their flawlessly produced studio 
sound will transfer to live performance; nine years of gigging has allowed 
the band to experiement with their music and to create a variety of 'live 
versions' of songs which while staying true to the original sound, feature 
updated lyrics, riffs or intros.  It is this that keeps their show fresh and 
surprising.

The evening ends with a three song encore.  Strangely, new album track 
"Right Between he Eyes" has the privilege of being the very last; once 
Shirley finishes her job and disappears from the stage, it is suddenly clear 
why this song is the ultimate.  The boys rage harder than ever before - a 
vicious cascade of crashing drums and resounding guitar chords.  A 
fast,furious finish to a rapturous show.  After years of being stuck in the 
studio, the gig betrays a slight rustiness but also a glint of hope and 
promise for a series of entertaining, roaring spectacles."



****
you can freak out about me
but you'll lose your mind without me
****
AIM: paranoidsupervix
http://firefish.livejournal.com