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Review: Primal Scream @ Solus

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Primal Scream - Screamadelica Live 2011
Solus
20th June 2011

Twenty years since their ground-breaking breakthrough album Screamadelica, Primal Scream hit the road to play the record in full, as it is re-released for a new generation.

I think the word masterpiece can be applied to this album and considering that at the time of release I was a good while off construction, I felt rather chuffed to hear the thing live. Described by band members as “informed by ecstasy” (Red Button to come) and “warm and psychedelic” the album was expected to gain cult status (Creation Records releasing just 50,000 CDs at first) but having pipped U2 to the inaugural Mercury Prize the band were blown into the mainstream; their music picked up by radio DJs and played in clubs across the country.

The album sees the bands’ well timed move away from their punk background at a time when rock needed a face lift; combining gospel, soul and rock ‘n’ roll they make passionate, danceable music which led the way at the start of the 90s. Playing at Solus in Cardiff University, the band attracted many fans who, by the looks of the receding (well, receded) hairlines, had ‘been there’ first time round but also new ones like myself and mate Charlie, who was attending his first gig. And weren’t we all in for a treat.

Support came from Little Barrie whose 60s rock feel got feet tapping and drew in the crowd from the edges of the room. The three-piece were all excellent musicians with the Neanderthal drummer especially pleasing with his flowing hair, bare chest and kit battering - always nice to see. They did what support bands are there to do and set the atmosphere up perfectly for what was to come.

By the time the Scream strolled onto stage, the room was packed and the band got straight into classic album opener Movin’ on Up to huge cheers - that Monday night feeling soon lost in pure enjoyment as the band delivered the hit with what felt like youthful energy, but it couldn’t have been. Sporting a shiny gold shirt and bouncing around the stage was front man Bobby Gillespie, whilst guitarist Andrew Innes and bassist Mani (of Stone Roses fame) remained nonchalant in a flowered number (plus straw hat) and a white t-shirt respectively. This ‘non-image’, in that they have never had a definitive look, is like their music - it doesn’t fit into stereotypes or boundaries - and the gig showed this versatility. As the introduction of Come Together says, “Today on this programme you will hear gospel/And rhythm and blues, and jazz/All those are just labels/We know that music is music”.

From the dreamy Shine Like Stars with the pretty glitter ball lighting, to the rave-ish Don’t Fight it Feel it, sang by Mary Pierce whilst Gillespie danced around with maracas the whole thing was just electric. “We’re Scottish we cannae be too happy for too long” was the reason Innes gave for the writing of Damaged, a more melancholic number, perfect for a slow dance (Charlie wouldn’t oblige) whilst ten minute epic Higher Than The Sun worked brilliantly live, a real ‘hymn to hedonism’ which enveloped the sweaty room.

Having finished the fast paced set with Come Together, the band then returned for some music from their impressive back catalogue - the deafening Country Girl, Jailbird and Rocks getting sweat glands working and the pit moshing. These rock ‘n’ roll tracks to finish completely blew Solus to pieces, with Mani’s bass roaring through into the drizzly night and finishing off one heck of a performance from the band.

If you’re off to festival-ville this summer and want to see a stunning show then look out for the Scream – they’re at Bestival and V - and if not then you’ll have buy the album and just turn it up really loud. I’d recommend both.

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IMAGE: Screamadelica Photomosaic by RodBegbie