LCD Soundsystem @ Barrowlands, Glasgow, 19 Sep

Six years on from their farewell tour, LCD Soundsystem return to Barrowlands with a set combining the recklessness of youth and the conviction of experience

Live Review by Lewis Wade | 20 Sep 2017

LCD Soundsystem played Barrowlands seven years ago, on what amounted to their farewell tour. When their reunion was confirmed in early 2016, many fans – this writer included – were a little apprehensive, not because we felt like we were owed a defunct band after attending a couple of farewell shows – that would be the height of selfishness – but because we didn't want a beloved band to tarnish their stellar reputation. Aside from the brilliant American Dream, tonight's show affirms that LCD are an important, vital band, and we should all be thankful that they're back at it.

Opening with an explosive rendition of Get Innocuous, it's clear James Murphy and co are up for this one tonight. This vibrant gambit is followed by the emotional I Can Change, the plucky Yr City's a Sucker, a disco ball-busting You Wanted a Hit, the punky mania of Movement, and through to the poignant New York I Love You, But You're Bringing Me Down, which closes the main set.

Murphy reaffirmed early on, between manic drum bursts, sips of wine and soul-stirring invocations, that “it's well known that this is our favourite place to play...” The constant hysteria within Barrowland Ballroom more than proves why. The set is drawn evenly from the band's back catalogue – four tracks from each of the four albums, and one from each on the encore – almost like it was planned! The only time the energy lags is on some of the new cuts, understandable as they've been out for less than three weeks, though single Call the Police, which has been out for a few months now, already feels like a classic – so give it time.

The encore begins with a rare and raucous Losing My Edge and ends with a typically euphoric All My Friends, made all the more urgent by the curfew clock at the side of the stage, counting down to zero and reaching its end just as the epic “If I could see all my friends tonight...” refrain begins, the crowd going absolutely bananas.

All night the band have been laughing, dancing and joking around, belting out classics with the recklessness of youth, but with a knowing wink and the conviction of experience to make sure the messages behind the beats really land. Truly, the band of a generation.   


LCD Soundsystem play Barrowlands again tonight (20 Sep) and Alexandra Palace, London on 22&23 Sep

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