by
Rob Jones
The Psychedelic Furs came to The Tramshed, Cardiff and recreated their epic 80’s/90’s history without a dip in quality during a value for money set. The Furs were original post punk – alt. rock gurus who have been wrongly stamped by the lazy listener as the Pretty in Pink one hit wonders. However, there is so much more in structure and style to a band who deserved so much more commercial kudos.
A six to seven piece unit took to the Welsh capital with wizardry wonder taking their inspiration from the epic albums of a period that spread across: Psychedelic Furs, Talk Talk Talk, Forever Now, Mirror Moves, Midnight to Midnight, Book of Days and World Outside. From this fruitful fare a series of tasty tunes were plucked for the current tour and even though the clock may have been turned back several decades it is quite evident from this date that the songs have aged well. The devoted disciples absorbed the material unleashed and it was crystal clear that this sonic tonic touches the hearts and souls of a number of folk.
Love my Way is one of the great singles of its era and then there is the other radio friendly royalty whether it is the dreamy or driven, melodious or motorised there is always so much scope. Dumb Waiters, Mr. Jones, Heaven, Heartbreak Beat, The Ghost in You, Angels don’t Cry, Imitation of Christ, India, Into you like a Train, President Gas, Highwire Days, Sister Europe, Don’t be a Girl, India plus Only you and I all strike a chord. To add to which there is the obligatory set closing anthem that commences with those legendary lyrics:
‘Caroline laughs, and it’s raining all day
Loves to be one of the girls
She lives in the place in the side of our lives
Where nothing is ever put straight’
Richard Butler leads from the front with his heavily influenced Bowie stances and his brother Tim joins him to the fore as the rest of the band maintain a steady and studious stance that does not diminish in stamina or standards. A close approaching 90 minutes of aural action has the Psychedelic Furs return to the principality for the first time since their yesteryear recording triumphs. The occasion was well worth the wait as the Butlers prove to be masters! This concert was far from a case of All of this and Nothing because on a lovely June night The Psychedelic Furs delivered their own unique Beautiful Chaos.
