The 'Barrie' comes from singer and guitarist Barrie Cadogan, the main staple of the band since its formation. His rock and roll demeanor of long hair and leather jacket and 'couldn't give a shit' sneering vocals make him a passionate frontman, and the rest of the band follow him in producing jamming rock and blues that lures you in and keeps you there. Plus from the back drummer Virgil Howe (son of Steve Howe from Yes) looks like Chris Cornell, which is never a bad thing!
After a few sound troubles (Mascis' vocals cannot be heard straight away, Barlow's bass amp has issues) Dinosaur Jr are on top form. It's a setlist of the greats, featuring the new, the old and the obscure.
J Mascis, dwarfed somewhat by his 6 Marshall amp set up (as always), says very little during the show, just the odd thank you. Bassist Lou Barlow does most of the talking, in a slightly nervous but comical manner. "I would like to apologise for kicking a microphone stand into someone's head here 23 years ago. It was a stressful gig!" I'm sure it's all forgotten now
From the classics like 'The Lung' and 'The Wagon', to a fair few from new album 'I Bet On Sky', including 'Rude', 'Don't Pretend You Didn't Know' and 'Watch The Corners', to covers 'Training Ground' originally by Deep Wound and The Cure's 'Just Like Heaven' then way back to 1985's first release 'Dinosaur' for 'Forget The Swan', there's something for every DJ fan.
J Mascis' high pitched slightly broken but instantly recognisable voice is on top form for songs like 'Out There' and 'Start Choppin'', and so is Lou Barlow's for new song 'Rude', a song sounding a lot like his more unplugged tracks from amazing solo album 'Goodnight Unknown'.
The night closes with 'Just like Heaven' rolling into 'Sludgefest', with its mighty DJ trademark long and winding guitar solos. Despite not being able to see the band (this venue is absolutely shocking for stage views, if you shy away from the mosh pit and are too late to get to a balcony barrier you've kissed goodbye the opportunity to see owt) the sound is huge and beefy, and Dinosaur Jr are still the loudest band I have ever heard.
article by: Danielle Millea
photos by: Danielle Millea
published: 01/02/2013 13:39
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.