Slowdive

Got a big jumper? Hairdo that hangs over your eyes? Groove like you’re being made to dance with your grandma at a wedding? Well then you probably enjoy Slowdive, your classic original Shoegaze band. Massively underrated by the music press in the early 90’s as Grunge and Britpop took over, they last played Norwich in 1991 and then, after a few albums, disappeared into other musical endeavours and middle aged activities, returning with a brand new and critically acclaimed album  last year which is full of hope and great songs. Luckily for us, Norwich was in their sights again this time, and the sold out crowd at the LCR were bloody well raring to go. And an excellent crowd it was, energetic and happy, and multi-generational; teens in crop tops and puffer jackets mixed with white haired gentlemen with acceptance and mutual joy. This is an ideal time for Slowdive to get out and about, with the 1990’s back in style, and most of us original fans happy to leave our houses for a band of this ilk. Support came from youngsters whitelands, who impressed us with their hazy, simple songs. The sound wasn’t quite big enough for me, but they seemed utterly thrilled to be with us, and I would keep a keen eye on their progress.

Slowdive arrive on stage to the strains of Brian Eno’s Deep Blue Day. Soundwise, all night we are happily lost  in a swirl of hazy guitars, thumpy drums and ethereal vocals. Think a melting pot of the summertime vibes of very early Blur, the energy of Public Service Broadcasting and the 80’s synths and tunes of John Carpenter. A full hour and a half set provides a perfect mix of their work - the old and new songs jigsaw together without fault. Star Roving is full of power with racing heartbeats and rushes of sound. The casual, laidback drums in Catch The Breeze is almost an aside, and alongside the swathes of guitar threatens to overwhelm me. Souvlaki Space Station wheels and turns like a murmuration, rather Pink Floyd-like, 40 Days is crystal clear and sublime, and When The Sun Hits seems to be a fan favourite with audible singing along. The encore gives us Sugar For The Pill and a tender, quiet, calm rendition of Dagger, with the grand finale their staticky, ghostly cover of Golden Hair by Syd Barrett. Overall, tonight was both a celebration of songs from many moons ago that has lived in fans hearts all this time, and a sunrise of new tunes which have a new sparkle, a new drive, and reestablish this little Shoegaze band from Reading from the 90’s as being as current and relevant and still as loved as they possibly could be.