[kj] Inferno: the legendary Killing Joke feel the heat in London show (Bloggers Gamut)

[Paul]

http://bloggersgamut.com/gigs/inferno-the-legendary-killing-joke-feel-the-heat-in-london-show/


[image: kj1.jpg]
Inferno: the legendary Killing Joke feel the heat in London show
James Stokes
August 13, 2019

Whilst not actually advertised as a sauna, West London’s Subterania
sweatbox easily doubled as one tonight – causing your correspondent and a
few thousand other of long-in-tooth-and-claw post-punk influencers Killing
Joke’s ‘gathering’ to sweat around three swimming pool’s worth of bodily
fluids. The band being almost exclusively lit in red for the duration adds
to a slightly hellish atmosphere, strangely fitting for a band whose live
shows retain a sense of power and intensity to fuck off many others.

Meantime, a sense of occasion thankfully prevails – for this venue was
historically Acklam Hall, where the very same ‘Joke lineup launched their
seminal self-titled debut back in 1980. This unexpected and
happily-received run of shows continues a slew of activities celebrating
their fortieth anniversary – already duly acknowledged by a million-date
world tour undertaken last year.
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Jaz Coleman: Seeing Red

Possibly in reference to a 2003-era show coming out on DVD, a few tracks
from that same year’s self-titled album have made their way into the set:
the brilliantly menacing *Total Invasion*, the anthemic *Seeing Red* and
the brilliantly menacing *Loose Cannon*. Shouting the final ‘Bang!’ in the
lyrics with two fingers pointed at his head, singer Jaz Coleman – still the
scariest and least predictable frontman going, and all the better for it –
then collapses. Initially thought to be stage histrionics, he’s instantly
revived by an on-the-ball longtime techie/roadie chap ‘Diamond’ Dave and we
realise something actually went wrong – the searing heat thought to be the
culprit.
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The unflappable Geordie Walker.

To Coleman’s huge credit, he and the band plough on for a few more numbers:
the industrial spook-barrage of *Exorcism*, the face-shredding *The Wait*,
and the deathless *Pssyche*. A short break, and he returns for an encore of
usual set-closer *Pandemonium*. Thankfully, Jaz turns out to be okay and by
the time this late copy is turned in, he and the band reportedly delivered
a faultless, blistering set in Brighton.
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Jaz and Youth

Elsewhere, support came not only from longtime dub-reggae-spoken word
culprits Radical Dance Faction, but also from Mantra – a brilliantly
eclectic collection featuring a violinist, saxophonist, two Hare Krishnas
and a tap-dancer. It appears to be a mixture of folky-somethingorother and
while they initially inspire reactions of ‘…*am* I at the right gig?’ they
win over the ten or so people who have turned up early enough to grab a
barrier spot, being tragically missed by the rest of the eventual audience.

Back to the ‘Joke: skinsman ‘Big’ Paul Ferguson’s drumming remains
startling in its pinpoint tribal precision and sheer power, especially at
close range. Martin ‘Youth’ Glover’s superb rubbery bass underpins it,
while Geordie’s unmistakable and indescribable guitar tone washes over the
lot, as Coleman’s volcano-throated barking is the cherry-bomb on top.
Mechanical Cabaret mainman Roi Robertson remains on keys.
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Big Paul Ferguson

To still be utterly uncategorisable, relevant and packing a supreme punch
forty years after inception is an inspiration to all other bands, who will
never, ever, amount to Killing Joke.

“Are you looking forward to October 31st?” Asks Jaz, before *European Super
State*. “Well you should, because a new Killing Joke album comes out!”
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