The Jesus And Mary Chain

My second night in a row at The Waterfront, and it's a little less packed than Sparks, which is a blessing. Same sort of crowd though - mostly middle aged, all very excited. It's lovely to be a part of.

Support comes from Brix and the Extricated, feat Brix Smith Start from out of The Fall. In a fur gilet, glitter headband, black dress, glitter eyeliner and matching diamante guitar strap, Brix is a tiny bundle of pure glamour and passion. They make pretty full on filthy post punk with a slight political edge. The three guitars, bass and drums fill the stage with noice successfully, but I can't say I would listen to this at home, although it works live, mainly due to Brix's energetic and strong presence. Highlights include The Fall's US and Brix's new single Moonrise Kingdom (I'm sure I've heard this title somewhere before..). Overall, a good rabble rouser for a support act tonight.

Jim and William Reid, the essence of The Jesus and Mary Chain take to the stage with their band in a quiet and humble fashion. The first track, Amputation, the first track off the latest album Damage and Joy, reminds us why we love them so. Pastel swathes of lights and plenty of dry ice fill the room, and there's an absolutely huge sound - but not so loud as to hurt. It's perfect, and I already feel incredibly lucky to be seeing such a world class band in such a relatively small venue.

The set consists of many tracks from the new album, but also a generous sprinkling of their back catalogue as well. They're tight and uber capable - Jim's voice is strong and confident, higher in the mix than when I saw them last at the LCR, so is better heard. William's wild mop of hair is continually bent over his guitar, which he wields like a fucking beast. It's good and heavy on the bass - it pulses, it's alive, it's unafraid, this original mix of punk attitude, rock riffs, indie tenderness, 50's chords and psychedelic madness. Singer Bernadette joins Jim onstage for their new single Always Sad - it's a small, low point for me in the set - it's a little bit Beautiful South for my liking. We get back on it with Mood Rider, Jim just lit by aqua blue spotlights, and William's powerful and lush guitar. The smoke swirling in the white spotlights as Jim sings with his back to us for a few seconds is incredibly atmospheric.