The last time I saw Lene Lovich was back in 1979, nearly 46 years ago! Then it was at the Hammersmith Palais. This time it is in one of my adopted cities finest venues, the Fulford Arms. Before I tell you about her York show I need to tell you about the two support acts. First on stage was the Insect. Imagine, if you will, the Sisters Of Mercy spliced with a pre-mega fame Adam and the Ants and crossed with a happily angry and definitely not oh so quiet Bjork. Their sound is a brilliant fusion of glam and goth, This was not just about the music this was also a gloriously full on performance. The singer somehow reminded me of Fulford stalwart and kingpin Chris Tuke, I wonder why? 😉
Next up was the much touted and hyped the Gospel. They sound like Birthday Party period Nick Cave working with Bryan ferry and being produced by the ghost of Jim Steinman. The sound comes across as a percussive rock opera for the 21st century. Initially, while their songs are very good and superbly executed I felt they all sounded a little bit samey. I also felt that the drums were a little too loud in the mix. However from the point they played an incredible goth gospel style cover of Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” they exploded into another universe. Did I not hear the early part of the set properly? The slightly slower pace of the song that followed the Madge cover was eerie, predominantly driven by the ‘Psycho’ shower scene style string sound. This song also had a wonderful female vocal with ethereal soulful fragility. They closed with a cover of Cockney Rebel’s “Tumbling Down” which was breathtakingly good. I think I need to listen to more of the Gospel.
Finally it was time for Lene Lovich. She wore a dark gothic style black veil as she was escorted to the stage through the fired up punters. It might be a very long while since I last saw her play live but she still has the knack of making her set of glorious songs exciting. There was not a duff song on display. Whilst many in the crowd went apeshit for huge 1979 smash “Lucky Number” the highlights for me were “Blue Hotel”, “Monkey Talk” and “Angels”. Although the hairs on the back of my neck were raised when the spectacular “Supernature” was played. I feel that Lene has always possessed a great sense of her immense talent and who she is without any sense of arrogance. She doesn’t just dare to be different she has, to paraphrase David Bowie and “turned to face the strange” and making otherness her home. At times you could imagine that Lene was in fact a Sally Bowles for these times with nods toward a 1930s Gin Palace. She seemed to be enjoying herself immensely too. I do not intend to wait so long before I witness Lene Lovich again! There are still a few dates left on this tour, if you can still get a ticket the do it!
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