REVIEW: PRIMAL SCREAM AT THE EDEN SESSIONS, CORNWALL (23/06/11)
Primal Scream celebrate the 20th anniversary of their iconic and career-changing album, Screamadelica, by playing it in its entirety. From the original Screamadelica-era Primal Scream, Bobby Gillespie (vocals), Andrew Innes (guitar) and Martin Duffy (keyboards) remain. Post-Screamadelica and ex-Stone Roses bassist, Mani is also still in. Guitarist, Robert “Throb” Young left a few years ago, and guest singer, Denise Johnson (lead vocals on Don’t Fight, It Feel It) has been replaced. Although Movin’ On Up and the album’s ballads were originally recorded as a band, the bulk of Screamadelica leans on samples and sound effects, so these were taken off the record, but overall, the sound coming through the speakers was definitely live.
They opened with the first 3 songs from the album, but the rest of its running order was shuffled, presumably to give the live set more flow. Movin’ On Up is still as energetic and uplifting as ever, and it’s incredible how youthful Bobby Gillespie looks. Physically, he’s still got the lot: iconic skinny frame, rockstar hair and his trademark onstage moves. His singing style has gradually changed over the years, so many of the lines from the songs were delivered in his current half-spoken/rock & roll style. But then you can’t really expect an exact replica of an album that was recorded 2 decades ago.
The slower numbers were kept together, namely Damaged, I’m Coming Down and Inner Flight. It was touching to see how well they kept the attention of the audience, despite the subtlety and ambient feel of those songs. Both versions of Higher Than The Sun were merged together, and Mani did a superb job of re-interpreting its killer dub bassline, originally played by Jah Wobble (Public Image Ltd). But sadly, the song suffered from an unnecessary and lengthy blues guitar jam. The beautiful electronic lullaby, Shine Like Stars can still send shivers down spines, and the new guest singer belted out Don’t Fight It with incredible power. Loaded went down a storm, unsurprisingly, and they ended with Come Together, played in 2 parts (the single version and the album version, that are essentially different songs). Come Together, complete with twirling psychedelic visual effects, was an incredibly powerful climax, and Bobby conducted the crowd in singing the chorus; long after the band had walked off.
After they’d finished playing Screamadelica, the band came back with a predictable but stomping encore of Country Girl, Jailbird and Rocks. Conclusion: Bobby Gillespie is still a sexy beast, and these are timeless songs that sound every bit as effective now as ever. And Cornwall’s Eden Project is simply an amazingly picturesque live venue. OK, now can we please have a tour of Vanishing Point played in its entirety?
Words: Arash Torabi
Photo: Angie Knight
