Featured image: Matthew Reeves / Sonic PR
New-wave post-punk band The Psychedelic Furs brought their quintessential ‘80s sound to a brand new audience at Manchester Academy 2 on their Made of Rain tour.
The last record The Psychedelic Furs released before Made of Rain was in 1991 – probably before many of the audience members were even born. Like many ‘80s bands, The band have united fans spanning generations, creating a diverse crowd who share their adoration of one of Britain’s most criminally underrated bands.
The set found no room for small talk, bulldozing their way through songs from the new album and old fan favourites like ‘Pretty In Pink’ and ‘India’. The songs of the new record offer triumphant anthems that invite you to sing along, as well as poetic lyricism from more understated tracks like Tiny Hands. The pathos provided by the lyricism of ‘The Wrong Train’ was a highlight of the set. Reflecting on a life of regrets, the tune is a tragic tale that brings tears to the eyes.
The Psychedelic Furs owe much of their unique sound to saxophonist Mars Williams, whose dizzying solos and soaring melodies often steal the spotlight from frontman Richard Butler. Though Butler more than holds his own, prowling around the stage with a warm swagger and delivering a vocal performance that has matured like fine wine over the four decades of his prolific career.
Bedded by the synths of keys player Amanda Kramer, the sonic landscapes that The Psychedelic Furs create are consistently intriguing and imaginative. It’s clear from their songwriting and the smiles on their faces during their performance that the band are enjoying sharing new material again for the first time in over 20 years.
Made of Rain is arguably The Psychedelic Furs’ best piece of work to date. They have taken all of their experience from the last 40 years to create something which retains the raucous edge of the new wave ‘80s era and the polished production of a well oiled modern rock band. New and old fans alike will be sitting patiently for what comes next.
The Psychedelic Furs’ latest album Made of Rain is available to stream on Spotify.
Find The Psychedelic Furs on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Spotify
Feature Image: Press “It’s important to find your people. Don’t feel like you have to find this incredible producer or person who’s going to give you loads of money and change your life” says Lauerence Tratalos, one-half of the Northern duo responsible for Misper; a feature debut for director Harry Sheriff and script writer Tratalos….
Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Fuel Café Bar in Withington hosts the fifth stop of six-piece band Ignoring Izzy’s ‘Motorway Musk’ tour, following the release of their debut single. The room buzzes with the promise of chaos, and possibly a few flying vegetables. Opening the night is Manchester-based Leucotome, a witch-folk trio blending soft,…
Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan Opening the night, Gabrielle eases the Co-op Live crowd into the spectacular night ahead. There’s no need for spectacle, her presence alone is enough with her deep vocals echoing around the arena. A performance rooted in control and feeling, each song reveals a different shade of her understated command. Operating…
Featured image and gallery: Sam Holmes Formed in Belfast in 2019, Chalk have already made a name for themselves. From support slots for Fontaines D.C., IDLES and Sprints, to taking to the stage at SXSW earlier this year, the band’s growth has been rapid and shows no signs of stopping. Touring their debut album Crystalpunk,…
Leave a reply