Liquid Liquid Review

In a word, the Liquid Liquid gig at the Barbican was exceptional.

It was the first reformed gig since the 80's and started off the three-date weekend celebrating Domino Records' Crystal anniversary.  That's 15 years of putting out blinding records, and the May release of Liquid Liquid's previous eps, plus unreleased tracks in 'Slip In And Out Of Phenomenon' is a good milestone for sure.

Considering the four piece funk/punk/percussion/bass band from Manhattan haven't really played in around 25 years, it was a little surprising to see some empty seats.

I guess a few, like me, had been stuck on a bus for the early part of the evening and were busy getting a pint in.  Or perhaps some of those original fans were busy writing and performing their own sounds.  The influence of Liquid Liquid who existed for only three years at the beginning of the 1980's, has been strong.

If you know anything about them, you probably know that Grandmaster Flash used Cavern's outstanding bass line in the classic hit 'White Lines'.  You may also be aware that LCD Soundsystem and Hot Chip cite them in their inspirations. Witnessing these guys perform live with a long list of percussion instruments was like listening to a blue print for so many bands doing good stuff right now.  And they were doing it over two and a half decades ago.

I've got to be honest, for me it was a slow starting event.  I missed Canadian support act The Junior Boys' warm up so it took a few tunes to get off the bus and into the sounds of the night.  Only a few though, then it was pure rhythmic, audio percussive pleasures for the evening ahead. 

They played lots, they played well, and they played as if they hadn't stopped playing together for any time at all.  A furiously energetic performance from Dennis Young on the Marimba, the cymbals, the toms, and more led to a few wooden keys and a cymbal flying.  He laughed it off and carried on with the show, with Scott Hartley keeping the pace and the mood on the drums. In their early gigs the band welcomed audience members bringing their own bits, and to hit the wooden surface in front of the circle's front row was a tempting surface to beat.  The audience were given quality stuff sent from the stage and returned the love by dancing in the aisles.  More and more limbs were up and going for it with every tune. 

Richard McGuire on bass started the incredible rendition of 'Cavern'.  We got up, we went for it , we just about thought it was over, the percussion petered out to a smattering of low and high end beats and then... be de be de be de be de be da, right back on it for the almost euphoric crowd.

The last tune 'Optimo' gave vocalist Sal Principato the chance to remind us not only that the gig was over and that one was a great way to end it, but also that the party was not yet done.  Some DJs from Glasgow were going to be leading us all to the next room where we could have a proper dance.  The sound of Liquid Liquid made such an impact in their day that this duo of selectors, had named themselves after that one tune and were closing the night.  He invited us to join him and the band in the foyer, but then they agreed to play a new chaotic minute's worth of percussive banter.  A short and sweet end to their stage show.  It must have been a blast when the Optimo DJs selected 'Optimo' again for the crowd.  It went down a storm.