Gang Of Four - Live…In the Moment

  by Lisa Torem

published: 17 / 10 / 2016




Gang Of Four - Live…In the Moment


Label: Gill Music
Format: CD Box
Praiseworthy new live CD/DVD from seminal UK post-punk outfit, the Gang of Four



Review

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.



Track Listing:-



Band Links:-

http://gangoffour.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/gangoffouroff
https://twitter.com/gangof4official



Post A Comment


Check box to submit




Interviews


Interview (2016)
Gang Of Four - Interview
Andy Gill, frontman, co-founder and only remaining original member of British post-punk band, the Gang of Four, speaks to Lisa Torem about new multi-media project ‘Live..In The Moment’ as well as his vast experience as a producer, guitarist and arranger

Profiles


'Songs of the Free'/'Hard' Profile (2008)
Gang Of Four - 'Songs of the Free'/'Hard' Profile
Anthony Strutt examines Gang Of Four's third album from 1982, ‘Songs of the Free’, and fourth album from 1983, ‘Hard’, both of which have been recently reissued

Live Reviews


Borderline, London, 12/4/2019
Gang Of Four - Borderline, London, 12/4/2019
Adrian Janes watches influential post-punk the Gang of Four in a show at the Borderline in London play a fiery set to promote their new album 'Happy Now'.
Metro, Chicago, 30/9/2016
Macbeth,London, 24/8/2009


Digital Downloads




Reviews


Second Life/Paralysed (2008)
Superb first single of original material in fourteen years from the reformed Gang of Four


Most Viewed Articles






Most Viewed Reviews




Related Articles


Gary Numan: Live Review (2014
Gary Numan - Gary Numan/Gang of Four - Hammersmith Apollo, London, 28/11/2014
In front of an exuberant crowd, Adrian Janes watches 80's icon Gary Numan, with the reformed Gang of Four as support, perform a brooding but electrifying show at the Hammersmith Apollo in London