During their lifespan of almost 30 years and through their myriad line-ups, The Fall have always been the proverbial square peg in a round hole. While this incongruity has been to the detriment of commercial success, they have nevertheless proved influential, held in high regard by bands like Sonic Youth, Gang of Four, and Franz Ferdinand. On the night, there is a touch of variety beforehand with two warm-up bands, and a hilarious poetry reading from ‘bard of Salford’, John Cooper Clarke. But we are not kept waiting for the main event, and soon after, the umpteenth variation on the post-punk outfit, with Mark E. Smith the only constant, stride purposefully on stage. Particular highlights are the opener Ya Wanner, and their cover of The Move’s I Can Hear The Grass Grow, the sheer raw quality of their songs easily shining through. For such a well-kept secret, they’re certainly immediate. Though they probably don’t want it, this performance provides evidence that they are worthy of their place in the limelight. Their songs are tight, short masterpieces, containing bracing power and visceral undertones, which pulsate vividly through the cramped, dark venue. It is clear that they are as fresh, vital, and important now as they have ever been. |
