Okay, I admit it. I missed the support act and yes, it was because I was hanging out at home, drinking red wine and eating delicious cheeses. So sue me. I dare you. But really, when you’re going to see an enigma like Tricky, there’s really nothing that’s going to satisfy except the real deal – and especially not a nancy-band like Bluejuice. That’s right, I don’t like ‘em. Tantrum time!
Unfortunately, not even Tricky himself was able to satisfy expectations on this particular night. Perhaps I was dreaming of a by-gone era, where he knew where he was, and the audience knew who the other members of the band were. I managed to step in during what was perhaps the highlight of the night for me – a sizzling hot cover of Love Cats – which at least cemented one thing I’d expected of the night. To put it simply, some really sexy music.
There was a lot of ‘sexy’ on-stage, too – Tricky’s unnamed female singer was something of a minx in her figure-hugging grey bodysuit, shaking her thang and stealing much of the attention from Tricky’s crazed, drug-frenzied antics. Oh, and it turns out her name is Kira Skov and she’s a Danish solo singer. Who would’ve thought?
Initially, the combination of Tricky’s domineering presence with the admittedly talented band was interesting – the trip hop was dark and seductive and The Metro created the perfect atmosphere for a chilled, introspective show. However, a large portion of the crowd slowly became visibly bored and disenchanted – attention turned to trying to decide what amphetamine Tricky was on, with his maniacal jumping on the spot even during the most laid back songs of the set. It made it significantly harder to truly relax into the trip hop vibe and become immersed in the music.
Slowly I began to feel like I was experiencing some bizarre communion with the Queen of the Damned soundtrack – song after song with similar intros on panflute keyboards and thick bass that vibrated through the whole venue. A version of Karmacoma from Tricky’s past project Massive Attack briefly got me interested, but once again, the panflute melody just didn’t hold the same intrigue.
I was unfortunately left with the same feeling I always do after Metro gigs that I’ve really been looking forward to – disappointment, and a realisation that these enigmas of music are old now, they’ve taken too many drugs, and labour under the misapprehension that you’re only as old as your backing band. I can pretty much categorically say that, well, you’re just not.
jetgrrl says...
agree with the above. I was SO looking forward to this, but couldnt believe his lack of involvement on stage. His backing singer totally carried the whole show - she was amazing, while he alternated between a funny head shake/dance thing and zoning out in front of the drums with his back to the audience. Why bother touring if you're just going to do that?