Truth, power and nostalgia without sadness: Psychedelic Furs in the Culture Room – | ATTENTION!

2024-09-13 10:15:00

Them Cultural It becomes a true paradise for music lovers. The Psychedelic Furs They took the stage and offered a performance that perfectly combined nostalgia with raw rock, full of emotion and a brilliant legacy that continues to this day.

From the first time, the air has been charged with negative expectations because of some references to concerts that have been cut; In Coimbra and Granada the works could not be completed, one due to insufficient technical conditions, the others due to weather problems. The revelation began a little ahead of time, that is, with a specific time, something we never knew. Perhaps this has to do with the cold reception, many participants are yet to arrive. This leads to an improvement in the atmosphere of the event.

The current formation is not anything. To begin with, the founding members, Richard Butler in sound and Tim Butler on bass They are joined by a number of singers like Amanda Kramerat the price of keyboards, which have been part of various label releases, including Julee farm, Siouxsie Sioux, Lloyd Cole she Eurythmics. to percussion Zack Alford who has worked with legends like Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie y The B-52. In the near future there is also Richard Fortuswhich is part of the reincarnations of Guns N’ Roses y Lizzy is thin. To guitars and six-string electric cellos, Fortus’s technical skill and power and versatility fully match the melodic sensitivity it exhibits. The Psychedelic Furs. His addition to the band has given a new dimension to the band, injecting freshness and energy into their live sound.

Photo: Juan Antonio Gámez

But let’s go with Richard Butler. Is it what it is Richard Butler one of the band’s most distinct characteristics? More than likely. His gravity and harshness will give it an enveloping quality, melancholic and raw. It maintains a deep and cold fusion, and at the same time a strong emotion. Over the years, these qualities have improved and have added more emotion to the songs; What he wears, and equally powerful, what has a contrast of invincibility and justice to his actions. From this we add that he sings in a lower register. This gives an introspective look and somber atmosphere of the songs. The sonic cocktail is complemented by songs that explore alienation, complex love relationships, emotional distress and social criticism. In short, it seems to be a constant search for identity, where love continues to be unsatisfied and triggers this search. Butler gets all the attention. Its magnetic presence is not only responsible for its technical strength, but also for its authenticity. It is clear that doing not only does not require effort, but for Butler, this becomes a source of happiness.

The opening is led by the piercing guitars of “The Boy Who Invented Rock & Roll”, a great song from 2020 that still has the same old psychedelic taste. From the album Word Word Word“So Run Down”, much more dynamic and high. Repertoire slid in a natural and fun way, covering, above all, Forever Now (1982) y Mirror Move (1984) of “Love My Way” and “Gas President” on the one hand, and “Heaven” and “Spirit in You” on the other hand were accepted. Again, yes Word Word Word (1981) could not miss “Pretty in Pink”, a song they also recorded for the soundtrack of the film of the same name. Both works depict themes such as self-identity, self esteem and social perception. “Pretty in Pink” sounded and felt wonderful, as did the entire performance, although some participants said the guitars were too much below the keyboards. A matter of taste?

Photo: Juan Antonio Gámez

Nothing can tarnish the combination of nostalgia and freshness of the works The Psychedelic Furs. Everything seems to end with “India”, the first encore, one of the most typical songs of the group’s early sounds, which mixes the enveloping atmosphere with the raw and powerful energy of post-punk. Not so, and with “Forever Now” the sonic festival ends. It is surprising that forty-two years after this speech, the message has not been received; The individual’s lack of control over his own destiny, the feeling of giving his life to the powerful in exchange for nothing.

If there is something that you define The Psychedelic Fursin their ability to be true to their nature without boring them in the least, exploring new dimensions in their music. Fans are able to relive the echoes of anthems from the past louder and clearer than ever before. Psychedelic Furs’ ability to combine the introspective with the adventurous on stage reaffirms their status as one of the most influential and enduring bands in the world. post-punk and the new wave.