Concorde 2, 11th November 2008

Mercury Rev in triumphant return shocker! as the headline might scream. And triumphant it was, as psych-pop’s elder statesmen delivered a magical audio-visual experience to a fit-to-burst Concorde2 crowd. Treating us to the classics from their career thus far, the band mixed in choice selections from their recent foray into prog-electronica, the rather enjoyable “Snowflake Midnight”.

A mention first for whoever sanctioned the laughably poor Aviv Geffen as first support. His goth-clown mug plastered all over the venue, you’d be forgiven for thinking tonight was his show. Peddling a set filled with the sort of cringe-worthy power pop balladry that would have had industry bigwigs pissing their pants with glee, many people left the room as he finished murdering his integrity with a terrible attempt at dark angsty-rock.

Next up were darkly tasteful Aussie rockers and fans of the hat-and-waistcoat combo, Howling Bells. Unavoidably my attention is directed towards the striking Juanita Stein, who wields her guitar with aplomb as they crash through ace new single “Into the Chaos”. Always worth catching live, they definitely excite yet never quite reach the heights they appear capable of and its rather difficult to pinpoint exactly why.

Written off by some after 2005’s admittedly up-its-own-bum “Secret Migration”, the ‘Rev have always had a solid cult following, but even the die-hards were probably beginning to wonder if the band’s best days were behind them. Tonight the evidence would overwhelmingly suggest not. Despite a lengthy stage setup (six roadies?!) soundtracked only by droning sub-bass tones, a mesmerising projection eventually starts rolling, covering the back wall with a flickering show-reel of musical history and uplifting quotations, interspersed with photography from the band’s own career. It was a typically adventurous beginning to a show that managed to enthrall and excite in equal measure.

Emerging from the smoke to blast through “Snowflake In a Hot World”, what followed was a joyful hour-and-a-half lesson in melody, dynamics, lighting and stage presence – all the ingredients of a truly fantastic show. We got gorgeous versions of “Holes”, “Opus 40” and “The Funny Bird”, a few raucous romps from the early years, and a sublime harmonica-driven “Tonite It Shows”. A resounding encore of “Goddess on Hiway” and “The Dark Is Rising” hit hearts hard and resolutely reminded us that when they hit their stride, this band are capable of truly great things.

Words by Jody White

Photography by Faye Perriam