Music / Colston Hall
Review: OMD, Colston Hall
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark: supposedly the reason why Morrissey decided to name The Smiths so – a dig at long-winded, over the top band names. But who says over-the-top has to be a bad thing? The band begin with a striking light show as singer Andy McCluskey is motionless and engulfed in smoke.
Ghost Star from new album The Punishment of Luxury kicks things off, during which the first glimpse of Andy’s famously energetic dancing is enjoyed by all. He makes a public announcement: he had hurt his knee onstage the previous night and so the crowd would have to dance for him.
is needed now More than ever
The first classic comes in the form of Messages, a piece of perfect synth-pop from the eponymous debut released in 1980. It’s clear his injured knee isn’t going to stop his phenomenal dance moves though. Tesla Girls proves another joyous singalong with its Blue Monday like drums, after which someone hands Andy a rose. He uses it as a brilliant segway to the next song, new album track One More Time: “Not all of our songs are about machines – this one’s about being broken-hearted.”
Souvenir stands out as a clear favourite, as vocals are shared with co-founder and keyboardist Paul Humphreys and most of the crowd. Enola Gay has everyone who isn’t already up on their feet dancing. It’s no doubt the song that got OMD their recognition and it’s easy to see why. When the band return after the encore, two more songs are played before it’s all topped off with a banger. “It’s our oldest, our fastest…”, Electricity’s intro is instantly recognisable and ends the show on a fantastically energetic or should I say electric high.
Bar a few small musical blips, the whole thing proves a joyous affair full of nostalgia, all be it more for those around me who weren’t around to witness the band in their heyday and great new songs.
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