Amid numerous peculiar predictions for 2024, this year also commemorates two decades since the mid-nineties era. Specifically, it marks the twenty-year milestone since the formation of Brighton-based band The Go!. Team, and the release of their debut LP, Thunder, lightning, strike, in 2004.
Promising a unique experience, the seven-piece band, excluding touring musicians, committed to performing the entire album in the original track listing order; They also promised the longest set for this Roundhouse concert.
Starting the performance with “Panther Dash”, an instrumental track by Thunder, lightning, strike, The going! Team showcased a mix of influences ranging from indie, funk, hip-hop, folk and mysticism. The song's glorious trumpets elevated it to a status reminiscent of Beck's “Sexx Laws.” Following this opener came the iconic “Ladyflash,” the song that introduced the world to The Go! Equipment. Reflecting on the tracklist, one couldn't help but reflect on the strategic placement of hits in the anniversary shows, with “Ladyflash” ideally positioned as a captivating final encore.
Despite frontwoman Ninja's enthusiasm, soundchecks lagged behind, underscoring anticipation for the infectious energy of the band's live performance. Ninja, interestingly, refrained from delving into the songs' specific details and meanings, instead offering a retrospective of the band's live experiences. Of particular note is the performance of “The Power Is On,” the fourth track on the debut LP, which was cleverly based on Fat Boy Slim's “Gangster Trippin'” and featured on Jools Holland's show twenty-one years ago.
The next track, “Get It Together”, demonstrated its appeal beyond its role as a video game soundtrack, proving its value live. “We simply will not be defeated” presented The Go! The team's ability to intensify audience participation contrasts with main support act Charif Magarbone, whose Middle Eastern-influenced progressive rock struggled to engage the audience.
Like the rest of Thunder, lightning, strike As it unfolded, audiences experienced a sonic journey encompassing heavy guitar rock, harmonica, banjo, and holiday arrangements that topped the Christmas charts. While the sold-out show primarily celebrated the album's anniversary, The Go! The team convincingly demonstrated that its catalog extends well beyond 2004.
Songs like “Mayday,” with mature solos and funk riffs laced with mysticism, showcased the band's enduring ability to captivate crowds. Songs like “Keys to the City” and “Apollo Throwdown” achieved maximum audience participation, highlighting The Go! Team's ability to engage all attendees in the live experience.
In short, The Go! The team delivered an extraordinary sold-out show, with their longest set list to date. Beyond celebrating the timeless appeal of Thunder, lightning, strike, the band showcased the contemporary relevance of their entire discography. Their ability to involve all audience members seamlessly reaffirmed their status as masters of live performance. The genius was in The Go! The team's ability to make the complex art of captivating a crowd look easy and effortless.
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