Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton – 29/04/2022
Gene Loves Jezebel are playing the Cruel World Festival this weekend in the States (May 14/15) and to see them over in the UK just prior to the festival was a real treat.
Jay Aston fronts the band and long time members James Stevenson and Peter ‘Bugg’ Rizzo are on lead guitar and bass duties respectively. Completing the line up is The Alarm drummer ‘Smiley’ behind the kit. Now, given the horrendous start they had to the tour, the van with all the bands gear was stolen, the band were in good spirits as they entered the stage.
Two great support acts were on before the headliners, The Glass House Museum and Lesbian Bed Death, both providing an eclectic mix of alternative, metal tinged rock. I particularly enjoyed Lesbian Bed Death – a band who I discovered have been going quite a while and are embarking on a headlining tour themselves later in the year. Mental note to self!!
Anyway, following the support bands it was time for the main event. Jay and the band bounded on stage and kicked things off with ’20 Killer Hurts’. I love the song, but hearing it live was magical. James’ Les Paul really sang and despite missing his Marshall and making do playing through the support acts gear, it sounded great. It’s testament to what a truly superb guitarist he is. It’s all in the fingers.
Jay’s energy on stage is incredible, he certainly likes to move and he was working that stage like it was Wembley stadium. Watching Jay was a performance masterclass from beginning to end. His voice was amazing too, those songs aren’t easy songs to sing and Jay well and truly delivered. I loved his guitar playing as well; intricate and delicate and although subtle, it really added another dimension to the sound. And I have to say, his guitar is a real beauty, in fact, I think I need my own ‘Rosebud’ in my life!
The band continued through their set, delivering a great selection of songs, even doing one from their latest album ‘Dance Underwater’. ‘Flying’ sounded absolutely brilliant and unlike most of the other songs that were completely live, ‘Flying’ made use of an ambient backing track which only served to heighten the dreamy effect the song had on the audience. Superb.
One of the highlights for me was ‘Jealous’, before the song Jay spoke to the audience and said they weren’t sure about this one at the time, they thought it might have been a bit too rocky. Of course, it’s become a staple Gene Loves Jezebel song. I absolutely love that opening riff and again, Jay’s delivery is superb! I have to mention Smiley and ‘Bugg’. Jay joked throughout the show that they were going to trademark ‘BUGG’ and that next time around he’ll have all his own merchandise. Joking aside, what a cracking rhythm section, so tight and Smiley’s drums absolutely thundered all night. What a drummer.
‘Cow’, ‘Break the Chain’ and ‘Motion of Love’ all featured and throughout the show, Jay as the master of ceremonies keeps the audience entertained throughout with the odd funny story here and there. Another highlight comes towards the end of the night, the penultimate song in fact and a song that is quickly becoming one of my favourites, Stephen. Stephen was incredible, in fact it gave me chills! A truly beautiful, heartfelt song that really grabbed me.
Desire brought the show to a close and what a night it was. This is a band who are absolutely on top of their game and know how to deliver a stunning, spectacular show. If you are in attendance at the Cruel World festival this weekend, you have to see Gene Loves Jezebel, they’ll be a festival highlight for sure. As for me, what a great night and I can’t wait for the next one.
