Review: Jesus and Mary Chain, O2 Academy

In a constantly shifting musical landscape that aims for progression and artistic triumph, very few bands in the indie scene aim to simply ‘rock’, and with that, the energetic spirit of rock n’ roll risks dying out in indie music. Thankfully, bands like the Jesus & Mary Chain have always existed to capture that spirit, with rock’s youthful vigour, unabashed angst, and self-celebrating swagger that the Mary Chain capture so succinctly. 

To this day, their debut album Psychocandy exists as the litmus test of cool. A trial-by-fire (or rather, trial-by-noise), where those who can breach the impenetrable walls of unrelenting, screeching feedback and blaring, static fuzz are rewarded with delectable pop songs and a portal to a whole new dimension of beautiful cacophony. They took to the stage of the O2 Academy, on a tour featuring Psychocandy played in its entirety. 

Local talent The Shimmer Band handled the support duties. The indie four-piece sported a dynamic, well-rehearsed set which harked back to British punk acts such as the Television Personalities, repackaged with a vibrant, melodic sheen. Though their influence from typical rock acts may have made their performance seem somewhat artificial, the accompanying guitar experimentation and fantastic drumming kept The Shimmer Band floating above a label of ‘just another NME indie band’. 

Then, to a crowd of budding young indie kids and ageing, jaded punks, the Reid brothers appeared to rapturous applause and began their first set of the evening, performing a short ‘greatest hits’ collection to preface the oncoming onslaught of noise. Fan favourites such as April Skies and Reverence were given fresh new twists with the full band lineup, and unearthed gems such as Upside Down were faithfully recreated live with William Reid playing the entire song facing his amp to capture just as much ear-piercing noise live as on record. 

And so, with the famous beat of Just Like Honey sending the crowd into hysterics, Psychocandy began. On record, its songs are famous for sparse, tinny production, amplified by the Mo Tucker-inspired one-two drumming of a pre-Primal Scream Bobby Gillespie, but the full band arrangements breathe new life into songs such as the melodious Taste of Cindy and the brooding Cut Dead. But most importantly, Psychocandy remains as loud as ever, and translates the youthful fury of The Living End, In A Hole, and Never Understand to a language which sent the whole crowd into a frenzy of sonic euphoria, creating life-affirming images of punks, dads, old couples and nerdy superfans all moshed and danced in unison as if it were The Haçienda circa late 80s. 

Psychocandy is not a perfect album by any means. It meanders, suffers from repeated ideas, and the production can make it downright unlistenable for some. But the raw energy of each of the fourteen songs on the album gives the record a distinct purity which is captured beautifully live. Some younger fans may not understand why this record is so celebrated, but thankfully, the Reid brothers have renewed its lifespan for a new generation. 

Photo by Tim Ellis