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(We are) Performance @ Joiners, Southampton
Written by Rachel Baker | Sunday, November 18, 2007 |
(We are) Performance are exciting, dangerous and sleazy - everything a good live rock band should be. Their dark electro pop rock is forbiddingly enticing and urgently sexy. They have a strong repertoire of songs which force your whole body to dance and jolt along in the same unstable manner as their charismatic singer Joe Stretch.
They deserve to be huge, ‘Short Sharp Shock’ is intensely catchy and radio friendly. However, song of the night had to be the haunting and tender ‘Say it in your own words (Chernobyl)’, the intelligent, sophisticated and poignant lyrics are deep and hard hitting. Their self titled album is pure quality, but it’s when they play live that (We are) Performance really come alive.
Joe Stretch is an amazing front man: edgy, dangerous, incredibly sexy and vulnerable at the same time. He’s a chaotic blend of Jack Nicholson and Ian Curtis. He threw unpredictable spasms throughout the night, pouring glasses of water over himself, leaving the crowd wondering if he was having an epileptic fit. Quite simply he’s crazy, but so cool!
Guitarist/vocalist, Laura Marsden looked fantastic with her stylish bouffant bob and skin tight mini skirt. The girls look like they are straight out of a 1950’s boudoir and their beautiful, melodic harmonies perfectly compliment the angst and madness in Stretch’s intense lyrics. (We are) Performance’s electro synth sound is innovative and euphoric, combining the best bits of Gary Numan and Joy Division in a unique manner to create a sound which is totally their own.
In the current music industry, BLAND is what sells. It’s disappointing that bands like (We are) performance who have the talent, stage presence, creativity and songs to be huge, have to play tiny venues like The Joiners. However, it’s great for true music fans because they get to see their favourite bands in intimate surroundings. I’d urge anyone who likes exciting music which makes you dance uncontrollably to check out (We are) Performance next time they play a town near you.
(We are) Performance @ The Joiners, Southampton, 11th October 07
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