The Sisters of Mercy’s live performances seem to divide opinion more than most bands, and there’s always someone whinging on about how their latest gig was even worse than the previous one, though it’s funny how they always come back for more…
If anything, there seems to be a renewed interest in the band, with the overwhelming demand for tonight’s Glasgow gig resulting in the Sisters switching venue to the Barrowlands, which they’ve sold out. Fabulously decorated goths old and new gather amid the plain-clothed masses, many whose raven-haired days are here in spirit only, Sisters frontman Andrew Eldritch the perfect example.
But anyone expecting lustrous layers of chiming guitar, brooding bass and gotheratic chanting to emerge from the shadows like they did on 1985’s The First And Last and Always and 1987’s Floodland are going to be a bit disappointed tonight because they’re simply not that band anymore, the depth of those albums never emulated live. Although the Sisters have never had a sweaty old drummer thrashing about at the back of the stage, the most esteemed Doktor Avalanche lurks in its latest incarnation as Chris Catalyst twiddles the knobs (or something like that), also responsible for churning out the basslines which are sadly muted, the very heartbeat of their music absent, resulting in a sound which is just a bit lacking, a bit flat. But that’s how the Sisters roll now, leaning towards the Vision Thing version of themselves, their 1990 album and last release of new music which revels in a sound which is more hard rock than gloomy goth. But it’s fair to say that even though Eldritch has been at this game for over 40 years, his raw baritone digs as deep as ever tonight, and the odd croak isn’t just allowed but expected. They say he’s human after all…
As the last stop on the UK leg of the Sisters‘ tour, the legendary vocalist is clearly in high spirits, flanked by guitarists Ben Christo and newest recruit, Espirt D’Air’s Kai, who stepped in just a few weeks ago after Dylan Smith was apparently fired mid-gig. Rock ’n’ roll, eh? Kai’s enthusiasm is a joy to watch though clearly still finessing some of the moves, but with Christo’s jean-splitting straddles and Eldritch’s unpolished dramatics, this just slaps another slice of ham onto their rather cartoonish stage personas, all quite intentional I believe, the band never setting out to be taken too seriously.
As the lights go down, swathes of melancholic ambience float out over the crowd, the Sisters appearing to great applause before the grinding guitar grooves of Doctor Jeep break through, followed by Don’t Drive On Ice, the first of several unreleased tracks they showcase tonight including When I’m On Fire and On The Beach, Eldritch continuing that annoying habit of writing songs without actually releasing them.
Old favourites like Alice and Dominion stir up the crowd but at other times it feels like I could be sitting on my sofa watching a club scene from Deutschland 83 rather than standing in Scotland’s most iconic live music venue as one of the ‘80s / early ’90s most evocative bands do their stuff. Eldritch strangles his mic as mournful wails on Marian send a chill over the crowd, and I’m momentarily taken back to the previous April when a full-bodied Mission stalked the same stage, detouring into a stark Marian interlude during Wasteland, Wayne Hussey penning the number with Eldritch back in 1985. Come to think of it, I’m sure someone described the moment as “sacrilege”. Discuss!
Things step up a mark as the dark-disco-goth jam of Temple of Love closes the main set and after a dash back stage to change into the Virginmarys sleeveless t-shirts, in appreciation of the tour’s superb support band, the Sisters are back on with the two classics we’ve all been waiting for.
Unfortunately, despite cranking up the sound, the heavenly bass intro to Lucretia My Reflection fails to materialise, and in all honestly I’m crestfallen. I just want that bassline to be thumping through my veins… Of course, I knew it wouldn’t be up there with the record but it still feels like a beautiful moment lost to the dry ice. Nevertheless, they dial up the volume as the song builds and it’s still a bit glorious. They save the best for last as the gutsy grooves of This Corrosion explode across the stage, a mass dance and singalong ensuing, the crew now up there and a feeling of elation lifting the crowd. Eldritch points towards his entourage with pride. He’s smiling. Everything is good with the world. Just wish I’d heard more pulsing roars of the big machine…
Words: Shirley Mack @musingsbymarie
Pictures: Calum Mackintosh@ayecandyphotography