Review: Blancmange at The Cluny 10/11/2018

Last Night I Dreamt I Had A Job

Newcastle Loves Blancmange! 

Even before we got to the Cluny building the penetrating bass of the music of Finlay Shakespeare greeted us from across the car park. This was loud: a loudness I hadn't experience maybe since Amphifest in Cologne. Some of Finlay's music would have been at home there. The intensity of his lyrics and vocals, the complexity of the beats, bass and his skills on the electronic bits and bobs (there was something suspiciously big and analogue in the centre) were mightily impressive. I felt this was a fitting support for Blancmange and I look forward to seeing him again. 

Blancmange took to the stage in a very well-attended Cluny 1 venue. It's obvious the current lineup enjoy playing together and Neil Arthur made it obvious he enjoyed the Newcastle banter between songs. He's such a warm jovial, likeable guy on stage when he's not singing, and yet so intensely focused when performing. I enjoyed Blancmange's last Newcastle gig at the Boiler Shop and I was keen to experience this at a more intimate venue. Neil was flanked by a synth player and a percussionist/ programmer whose names I have tried to find and failed miserably. They are incredibly talented and carried the songs with great skill. 

The crowd clearly loved the music and the band and there was dancing and singing along especially on the big hit Living On The Ceiling. The mix of music worked so well. Often older and newer music can grate, however, with Blancmange the music has evolved without losing its individual style. Songs such as What's The Time (from last years Unfinished Rooms) and Feel Me (from 1982's Happy Families) sit comfortably next to each other. The older songs as fresh as the new. Neil likes to cut a bit of the rug on stage, which is good to see. He's a canny mover. The insertion of Fader's (Neil's 2016 project) I Prefer Solitude prompted us to aquire the album from the busy merch desk at the end. The new album Wanderlust was so promising, judging from TV Debate and I Smashed Your Phone, that we picked that up as well. I'm considering breaking a personal rule and reviewing the album.

A superb performance of Blind Vision and a group bow, was then followed by an encore of Waves. Another fabulous gig by Blancmange. The music remains dark, sharply observed  and with a sense of humour, the show is not to be missed. I'd do this again!