Rock isn’t dead, and this City is alive. Making another – but hopefully not their last! – splash into Nottingham waters, The Breeders celebrate their biggest album turning 30 with an anniversary tour. Welcome to our stage…
THE BREEDERS
Undimmed by the differences in sound to our headliners, Big Joanie is quietly confident that their synth-infused post-punk modernity is the perfect remedy for a support slot. They envelope the audience with innately political and intensely rich melodies, articulating the ethos to “fight for a better world because it isn’t that far away” beautifully in their applause continuing long after they leave the stage.
Our cheers and hoots are dispersed throughout the interval, pleasantly suspending us within the liminality of live music. It’s a blustery night outside and we’re sure to be just as windswept inside, for The Breeders take to the stage needing no introduction.
Quite literally – twin guitarists Kim and Kelley Deal are feverishly adjusting their amps and effects pedals as soon as they enter the stage. It’s a persistence that calibrates our reassurance the night ahead is one of noise and racket. Bouncing stick-in-your-head basslines off each other and off-kilter, the band is rolling back the years like the Saints they are, the opening number itself enough to un-’stick’ us from the floor and in sync with the sounds of summer in the nineties.
“DON’T LET THE HAIR DYE FOOL YOU NOTTINGHAM! WE WERE LAST HERE IN 1993 AND WE HAVEN’T AGED A DAY SINCE!”
Effortless panache is evident in Invisible Man and for all its swagger and menace, the grunge intention is anything but short-sighted. It’s a snarling rendition of the single and Kim’s trademark rasp thrashes around the sound speakers into the Hole-influenced Safari. The band are dutiful in their experimental spontaneity and appreciation for the audience; drummer Jim MacPherson takes to the front of his drum kit during a particularly long technical interval. “We don’t know what we’re doing but you all look like you’re having a good time!” He jokes.
“Oi, you! Yeah, I’m looking at you ‘Hand Guy’ in the pit!” Kim delivers her own nonchalant bantering, with one gig goer who hadn’t lowered the arms the entire set being singled out. “You are having a good time and we’re gonna make sure it’s a great time, my friend!”
An on–stage zine promotion from bassist Josephine Wiggs lends to The Breeders’ affinity to constantly create – reflective of their songs short in length and their use of vintage equipment, it’s hard to believe Last Splash was released over 30 years ago. We’re living within a literal time capsule tonight. If the sheer screams are anything to go by with the instantly recognisable Cannonball in its truest form (distorted vocals, whistles and all!), it’s safe to say the band have transitioned from cult to mainstream recognition.
The country-tinged Drivin’ On 9 playfully toys with a tempo change and is the first cover song of the night; Kim’s former stint in alternative rock band Pixies gives way for a rendition of Gigantic. MegaGoth takes advantage of the abrasive synthesizers and the aptly supernatural siege continues with Walking With A Killer as an encore.
Blitzing through a 21-song set in an hour and half is impressively authentic, especially for an unconventional run of tunes under two minutes long. Showcasing albums with established poignancy – Kurt Cobain was quite vocal that Pod was his favourite album – has a remastered rebelliousness to it tonight, and proves that The Breeders are still breeding a noise to be reckoned with.
THE BREEDERS PERFORMED FRIDAY 28TH JUNE
WORDS: TALIA ROBINSON
ROCK CITY NOTTINGHAM
We’re not only Nottingham’s favourite venue and nightclub – we’re the UK’s best live venue with a rich history of performers that have played here. Also a massive thank you to The Breeders for putting on a fantastic show!
Also while you’re at it, why not check out our gig guide and see if any other of your favourite artists like The Breeders are playing soon! We also have our club nights on a Thursday (Tuned), Friday (Get Lucky) and Saturday (Rebel Rebel) so check those out too!
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