A few weeks passed and a handful of European dates were announced - we had to go.
Sugar formed in 1992 with Copper Blue as their first album release. A year later they released Beaster, an EP of songs recorded at the same time as Copper Blue. They split in 1996 having released another studio album, a compilation and a live album.
Due to public transport issues, we arrive just as support band Cloud Nothings are coming to the end of their set with 'No Future No Past'. The song becomes the first stage of our time travel back 20 years and really helps set the scene. Our limited exposure to them reminds me of very early Pearl Jam. It's a shame we missed the early part of their set.
The venue fills and the band make their way to the stage and crash straight into 'The Act We Act', adjusting levels as they go, it's raw, it's played slightly harder than the album version but it goes down a storm. As the song's guitar dies out in the background, the bouncing bass-line comes in for 'A Good Idea', it sounding very much like the album and so far they're playing their set in the album running order. The majority of the crowd seem to be middle-aged bald guys (like me), and it's all getting a bit animated with fists punching the air singing and shouting along, "That's a good idea she said." It's quite unusual and refreshing to be at a gig where nobody appears to be watching the gig through the screen of their phone's camera.
Bob heads to the back of the stage to get some water and launches into the melodic two note intro to 'Changes'. It takes me back to home-made mix tapes, and many fond memories wash over me as I stand and watch a hero perform one of my favourite songs. It's a reality check time for me.
The pace at which the band rattle through the album seems infeasibly quick, but it's not, that's just how the album was recorded. Each song climax is applauded enthusiastically and as each new track begins, the cheers explode again. There are no gaps between the tracks, no words are spoken, the band are not introduced, no niceties, this really is a live version of the album being played out before us. As each track begins, I feel relief that nothing has been missed out, it's all sounding great with rasping guitars but the melodies that make the album such a joy to listen to all shine through clearly. Live highlights from the album are 'Hoover Dam', 'If I Can't Change Your Mind' and 'Changes'.
As the album part of the set ends, Bob introduces the band. It's the first time he has spoken since coming on stage. It's not the original Sugar line-up; instead he is joined by Jason Narducy from Telekinesis on Bass and Jon Wurster of Superchunk playing drums. The guys seem really tight and well-rehearsed but as the set progresses, it's the stamina of Wurster that really impresses me. The ceaseless drumming at a break neck pace is incredible.
As I turn to go to the bar, I see a somehow familiar face behind me and ask, "Excuse me, did you work in a record shop in Aylesbury?" Looking a bit confused he confirms my suspicions. I remember hearing 'Copper Blue' for first time as I walked into our now closed local record shop, Oven Ready Records. I thank him; this guy had sold me my original copy of 'Copper Blue' 20 years ago. We chat briefly but the band are so loud and we're both keen to carry on listening. It's a small world, eh?
The rest of the set is made up of songs by Husker Du, Bob's solo material, Sugar material from other albums and a cover of 'Downed' by Cheap Trick. The place slows for a soulful rendition of 'Circles' and Narducy lends soothing backing vocals. The respite is short lived as the frenetic Husker Du track 'I Apologise' kicks in.
'Celebrated Summer', 'Needle Hits E' and 'Your Favourite Thing' keep the crowd bouncing and the set draws to a close with the Husker Du song 'Makes No Sense At All'. As we leave the venue, my ears are ringing and my face is aching from bearing the weight of such a wide grin.
I had my concerns about seeing one of my heroes performing one of my all-time favourite albums. No need at all, it was an incredible night. It still sounds great 20 years on and I'm looking forward to a new album this autumn.
article by: James Tayler
published: 07/06/2012 12:38
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.