A series of sold out gigs in London’s Lexington, where post punk legends Wire first started their eclectic Drill festival in 2010 – 35 years after their first sweaty anarchic gigs at the likes of the 100 Club and the Roxy. Each Drill is different, and this one is just the band, in a small venue, with a specially selected support each night.
Tonight it is psychedelic Londoners Orlando. Turns out by coincidence I know one of them…new keyboardist Phil, aka Cambridge stalwart the Man from Uranus, well known for his wig out live shows. Here he is part of a tight combo, replacing Charlotte from Ash, whose DJ work now leaves her time for little else.
The band's enveloping instrumentals are reminiscent of Goat, with sparkly 60s sci-fi clothes instead of tribal gear. Stereolab might be another reference, with chanted vocals on psych-pop numbers like 'Theme for a Telepathic Amphibian' – the title perhaps giving further clues to the music – or not!
They set the stage well for Wire, who are uncompromising and still true to their original punk ethic. Colin Newman quietly in charge, Graham Lewis in trademark beret, Robert (Gotobed) Grey on drums, all original band members, plus Mathew Simms adding a touch of youth. Everyone in black.
They play no hits or old numbers. The first half is all from the excellent new album just called Wire, including catchy number 'In Manchester', which recalls Buzzcocks pop. The second half is much darker and harder, riff after riff, lyrics screamed or spoken, the epic album finale 'Harpooned' culminating in Drill, the never-ending song that gives the festival its name.
In Brighton’s superb Drill last year they played it first with a stage full of guitarists, then with headliners Swans – here it is just the four of them, powering into the night alone – apart from a room packed with adoring fans.
Kevin Hand
Tour dates
April 20 - SOUTHAMPTON – Engine Rooms
April 21 - RAMSGATE – Music Hall
April 22 – NOTTINGHAM – Rescue Rooms
April 23 – LIVERPOOL – Kazimer
April 24 – HEBDEN BRIDGE – Trades Club
April 26 - ABERDEEN – Lemon Tree
April 27 - GLASGOW – King Tuts
April 28 - LEEDS – Brudenell Social Club
April 29 - MANCHESTER – Club Academy
April 30 - BRISTOL – Fleece