Music / Bristol
Review: Thurston Moore, The Louisiana
Photo: Rowan Allen
Thurston Moore at The Louisiana was an event that nobody saw coming. It’s more than surreal to have such a significant musical presence back in such a small venue. The Sonic Youth legend details from the stage, “I was offered this very special show and I had to accept immediately”. It’s ‘very special’ because it’s part of the anniversary celebrations at this legendary Bristol venue which has now been around for thirty years.
He’s a towering presence and has to hunch under the beams upon taking to the stage. “Am I the tallest person to have ever played here?” he questions. He’s got some sorting out to do before commencing, shuffling around sheets of music and getting his amp sorted out. It’s charming to watch this process so intimately. There’s not the slightest scent of ego here, he’s happy to converse with the packed room as he gently positions everything.
is needed now More than ever
Despite playing without his band tonight, the setlist stays largely the same as other recent appearances in Bristol at The Lantern and The Fleece. He proves from the get-go with lengthy opener Forevermore that he can recreate the textured landscapes heard on his solo work just on an acoustic guitar. The attention to detail as he flows into the next track Speak To The Wild is an absolute joy to watch. The themes heard tonight touch heavily on nature, love, politics and religion and it’s overtly clear that this man is a very spiritual being.
It’s not long before he plunges into a flurry of material from latest record, Rock N Roll Consciousness. It’s a welcome change in dynamic, less sparse and slightly more urgent. It’s just a simple pleasure to hear his distinct vocals fill such an intimate setting. Perhaps a highlight of the set comes with Psychic Hearts which hasn’t been aired in many years and takes some figuring out. It’s a very different tact from the Thurston Moore we see today, the song almost acts as an outburst amidst the set of poised tranquility.
Things come to a somewhat elegantly destructive end as he switches acoustic for electric and kicks up a squall of noise. Everyone inside the venue knows they’re watching a master at work and some of his techniques are quite compelling and hard to believe. Tonight was a chance to see a man propelled by forward movement, something which should come as a testament to any great musician. Though one thing which must be said, is that it wouldn’t have happened without promoter 1% Of One and this very special venue. They both deserve a big congratulations.
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
