Therapy? / The Membranes

It's been less than a year since Therapy? took to a Leeds stage (Brudenell Social Club) and less than two years since the band played 'Infernal Love' in its entirety at the much missed Sonisphere festival. Tonight Leeds gets this album from start to finish and then a second full set of hits and new songs to boot.

Warming up the stage and room are post-punk veterans The Membranes. John Robb knows how to get a crowd on side. Within 5 minutes the folks here early are all watching Robb's stare and Northern voice break through the speakers, like he's just about to lose his voice but never does, thankfully. Otherwise we would not get the interesting snippets of information about great Leeds bands Gang of Four, Sisters Of Mercy and "Kaiser Chiefs in the beginning". Einstein and the Universe and how time is not out there feature heavily… I almost want to put my hand up, stop the music and ask more questions like we're in class… This is probably to coincide with the latest album 'Dark Matter/Dark Energy', their first album since 1989.

The number of times I have seen Goldblade is probably up there with the number of times I have seen my favourite band, and they never disappoint. Truly a crowds band and great for all ages from sprites to seniors. The Membranes are made up nowadays mainly of Goldblade members and the sounds are less catchy punk chants to avant noise, punk with yo-yoing speeds, brooding layered sounds and slow reggae dub beats. Very diverse and all excellently executed. The drums and bass create the strong rhythms… leaving the guitars and synth samples to layer up and divulge an enormous atmosphere that, like Robb's onstage presence, draws you in.

Therapy? come on stage; face the back wall then spring into action to play the whole lot of 'Internal Love'. Andy Cairns says this is a night of celebration, as this album nearly split the band up. Most love 'Troublegum' but for many this album really stands out as the band's best. The jump from the energy of 'Stories' to the beauty of 'A Moment Of Clarity' gets me every time, and even more so live. Similar to the song 'Loose "about taking Ecstasy in Belfast" then onto the emotional Hüsker Dü cover 'Diane' (violin samples included).

After a very short break of a few minutes the band are back to play their hits and some snippets and new songs from 'Disquiet', namely the track 'Tides'. Cairns asks if we support charities, and have we seen how much pet's bills are these days? His dog is ill and jokes we must buy the new EP or his dog dies! He almost apologies for playing new songs and says "there's only one more then we get onto the older stuff." They shouldn't have to apologise but to some fans this may help if they are stuck in the 'hits only zone'. I love the part about him saying his favourite album as a child was one by Kermit the Frog, and they sing a bit of the Robin The Frog song 'Halfway Down The Stairs' before going into 'Unbeliever'. I've never wanted to "Aww" at a metal band before…

'Teethgrinder' is where the mosh pit really kicks off, but I must mention here that Therapy? fans are a lovey bunch. Such happy sweaty faces. This tune brings out the pogo in most of them. There's a snippet of Nirvana/The Vaselines' 'Son Of A Gun' during 'Potato Junkie', and to end with 'Screamager', 'Knives' and 'Nowhere' really tops off a great show. Funny, modest and awesome tunes… As Cairns would say; "Fan-fuckin-tastic!."

Epilepsy
Stories
A Moment of Clarity
Jude the Obscene
Bowels of Love
Misery
Bad Mother
Me Vs You
Loose
Diane
30 Seconds

Still Hurts
Die Laughing
Deathstimate
Unbeliever
Helpless Still Lost
Tides
Nausea
Teethgrinder
Potato Junkie
Screamager
Knives
Nowhere