This may be the defining visual representation of the mini tour with Tom, Justin, Elliott and Sergio. There's is so much to love about it, especially the chance to get a really good look at everyone playing. This means you see those times when instruments are swapped and seating positions get changed around. Really nerd level stuff but if you're a fan, these are the drops of rain that delicately soothe the dry, arid landscape of your fandom.
They could have gone conventional, just played it safe and reveal any surprises they had at the bigger shows that are looming in 2020. Instead, they offered a very small crowd a very big treat, in the form of the first ever public acoustic performance of Sugar. I know what you're thinking, if Russell isn't present then this ain't Sugar at all. His bass is like a snake running all the way through that and it acts as a guide rope to keep everything grounded.
But this really works.
If I was using breathing as an analogy, then the original version is like taking very deep, long breaths in and out. The take you hear for this show is like trying to take the shallowest breaths you can as quietly as possible. I love the sounds that Sergio provides as a substitute for Justin's guitar work (he was such a good addition to these engagements), and the way everything just dies away at the end. Very Editors. Thanks to the video, you can also see what Sergio's doing rather than just hearing it and he's really working when he plays that song. It reminds me of Fireworks by Siouxsie and the Banshees. As for what he brings to the acoustic version of Blood...forget about it.
I've said it before but I have a lot of admiration for them not just showing up, playing the hits in a conventional manner and then riding away with the cheque. It bodes very well for how they'll be designing the full electric gigs next year, because in their current mindset I think the setlists will be extremely interesting.
All this and a cheery apology from Tom for the socks he's wearing tonight. Enjoy the music, it's awesome ;)
Smokers - download here
Sugar - download here
Munich - download here
An End Has a Start - download here
Cold - download here
Two Hearted Spider - download here
Violence - download here
Upside Down - download here
Papillon - download here
No Sound but the Wind - download here
Half a World Away - download here
A Ton of Love - download here
Blood - download here
Thanks Hannah ;)
This one will only really be of interest to all you lovely fans in Poland, or anyone else that speaks the language. This was a special from Radio Trójka and featured the band being interviewed, as well as some songs from their back catalogue being played. I removed the officially released stuff, leaving only the chat. Not being a person who can speak Polish, I have no idea if the chatter is good or bad but I hope it's the former. Enjoy ;)
Part 1 - stream it here
Part 2 - stream it here
brought to you with lots and lots of lemming-love ;) x
