21 October 2023 (gig)
22 October 2023
Earlier this year we welcomed Lloyd Cole’s 12th solo studio album, produced by Chris Merrick, former Adam & The Ants drummer & producer. Still pushing his song writing boundaries, this time around Cole combines his trademark insightful lyrics with a minimalist electronic soundboard. It reprised the song writing partnership of Commotions founding members Blair Cowan and Neil Clark, who are also welcome live accompaniment on this ‘On Pain’ tour.
Tonight, Cole and fellow cohorts return to the majestic Union Chapel for the last of a three-night run, a venue that clearly meets with Lloyd's approval, and why wouldn't it? The wooden vaulted ceiling, stained glass window and pulpit make for a unique backdrop.
At 7.30pm sharp, all in white, with no fanfare Cole walks on stage picks up his guitar and begins picking the wonderfully dreamy chords to ‘Don't Look Back’, from his self-titled debut solo album. His voice immediately envelopes you, much like a comfort blanket, the soothing tones are familiar and reassuring. As the song nears its conclusion Blair Cowan (keys), Neil Clark (guitar) and Signy Jakobsdottir (drums) take their places and soon the glorious ‘Mr. Malcontent’ from Lloyd Cole and the Commotions third album ‘Mainstream’ bounces around the hallowed walls.
A personal highlight comes early on with the delightful ‘Trigger Happy’ from what is one of my best albums of all time, ‘Love Story’. Lloyd's faultless album recording process unfortunately means the sonic genius is impossible to fully replicate live, and what this building gives visually it partially takes in auditory terms. The addition of the drums in this full band scenario occasionally does make for a slightly less clear muffled sound. That said, this set up lifts the classic ‘Rattlesnakes’ to a dimension that a solo acoustic guitar cannot achieve, a song that sounds as fresh today as it ever did.
The night is presented in two half’s, as Cole explains "we are supporting ourselves" which is how the band manage to squeeze a full 29 songs into a well thought out set. The second more electronic half featuring an expressive version of ‘Wolves’ from the latest album ‘On Pain’ along side last single ‘The Idiot’. “That’s my last disastrous flop single, I still like it” says Cole as the audience titter, his self-deprecating manor ever engaging.
‘Perfect Skin’ sees Neil Clark show exactly why he’s there, precision perfect guitar lifting us all to new hights and sees Cole get as animated as he can, clearly relishing the moment. Sitting in our pews surrounded by Victorian gothic architecture, there really was no better place to be. ‘Forest Fire’ is another highlight, yes, it’s a drive down memory lane but also a validation of excellent song writing from a songwriter that is all too frequently too self-critical.
The encore of ‘The Young Idealists’ and The Commotions ‘Mainstream’ rounded off an evening of music that continues to delight and stand the test of time. Already working on new material, I await the next instalment of the Lloyd Cole legacy with anticipation.
Set 1:
Don't Look Back
Mr. Malcontent - Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
Trigger Happy
On Pain
Why I Love Country Music - Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
Headlights
No More Love Songs - Lloyd Cole and the Negatives
My Other Life
2cv - Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
Undressed
Tried to Rock - Lloyd Cole and the Negatives
Rattlesnakes - Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken? - Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
Set 2:
No Blue Skies
Night Sweats
Minor Character - Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
Violins
Blue Like Mars
Mister Wrong
Pay for It
Perfect Skin - Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
Wolves
Perfect Blue - Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
Myrtle and Rose
The Idiot
Brand New Friend - Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
Forest Fire - Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
Encore
The Young Idealists
Mainstream - Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
