Gang Of Four - Live…In the Moment

  by Lisa Torem

published: 17 / 10 / 2016

Label: Gill Music
Format: CD Box

intro

Praiseworthy new live CD/DVD from seminal UK post-punk outfit, the Gang of Four

It was thirty-five years ago that the original line-up of the UK’s Gang of Four released their debut ‘Entertainment’. Guitarist/producer Andy Gill is the only remaining member of that line-up, but the current line-up, featuring John Sterry (Gaoler) who replaced Jon King three years ago, is as strong as ever. Their newest project, ‘Live…In the Moment’ consists of a DVD which documents last year’s New York and London concerts, an accompanying CD and a booklet consisting of close-ups and crowd shots. The solid material chosen is drawn from their diverse discography and from last year’s studio album, ‘What Happens Next’. Gang of Four has inspired countless bands including REM, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Franz Ferdinand and Rage Against the Machine. Lead guitarist/songwriter Andy Gill has worked as an international producer. Andrew McNeice and Jonny Finnegan form the expert rhythm section. Gill has stated in earlier interviews that the philosophy behind the band is that all members share equally in the performance. That is exactly what happens too. The CD begins with an excerpt of Robert Johnson’s crusty voice, which bleeds into Gill’s atmospheric billows on ‘Where the Nightingale Sings’. Over the effects, Gaoler has a marvellous world-weary tinge to his melodious tenor. Next, ‘History’s Not Made of Great Men’— features Gaoler’s fierce vocals; the band supports every sneering phrase. Gill and Gaoler sound like two delinquents snubbing the constables, as they take turns ranting over the mic and then coming together on the droning chorus. Gill’s violent solo drifts off momentarily and then skids to a halt before Gaoler strolls down the ‘I Parade Myself’ cat walk. His voice is agonizingly gorgeous as he envisions a “one-man race.” He concludes, “I’m civilized,” as Gill produces a no-man's-land of effects. ‘Paralyzed’ yields a throbbing, goth bass line and crisp drumming. “Wealth is for the one who wants it,” Gill whispers. They hold the audience at bay with codas of inactivity and caustic insight. There’s clackity-clack guitar and poppy tambourine on ‘What We All Want’, a danceable-as-ever classic. ‘Love Like Anthrax’ is the tantrum your mother warned you never to have in a public facility. The fans adore it — you can hear screams of delight. ‘Do as I Say’ is another pop-inflected pleaser, reflective of the British invasion. ‘Damaged Goods’ is probably one of the band’s most loved songs. “Can’t work, can’t achieve,” Gill moans over dizzying effects, before Gaoler complains about/idolizes the sweat of his sweetheart’s neck - One of their amazing masterpieces, though written so early in their career. ‘Isle of Dogs’ off of the new album is a real gem, which shows off Gaoler’s skilled, emotional voice. On ‘At Home He’s a Tourist’, McNeice explodes. Gill and Gaoler have lots of fun — “big jump for me.” On stage, they actually have their steps choreographed. ‘To Hell with Poverty’ features fantastic vocalizations and gut-wrenching guitar. Gill’s intro. alone is a welcoming whack-in-the face; a sonic exorcism. For encores? ‘Why Theory’ finds Gaoler saying, “Too much thinking makes me ill,” with Gill responding, “We’ve all got opinions.” They are all on fire, here, though. The final song, ‘I Found That Essence Rare’ reverts back to a pop sensibility. ‘Live…In the Moment’ is a project that succeeds in fueling the imagination, with a cadre of solid songwriting and hypnotic effects.

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