Spiritualized

Something’s not right here. On stage stands the same band of musicians who blew the roof off Sheffield’s Octagon Centre less than two years ago. After setting such spectacular standards on their last visit, this time they are unrecognisable.

It’s just four days since the release of Spiritualized’s latest album ‘Amazing Grace’, and not surprisingly, Jason Pierce and company give most of their new material an airing. But nobody seems interested, least of all Pierce himself.

After opening with a winning salvo of ‘This Little Life Of Mine’ and ‘Come Together’, things begin to slip with the lullaby-like ‘Hold On’, which feels like an attempt to sing the crowd to sleep. Several people have already dropped off, and a listless ‘Oh Baby’ isn’t going to bring them round.

The calm before the storm? What storm? As the band virtually ignore their last two records, minds begin to wander. The sound of Pierce’s devotees talking among themselves grows louder than his music.

At the death, ‘Take Your Time’ offers fleeting proof that Spiritualized are still capable of pulping brains with their live antics, but it’s too late now. By ditching his most thrilling songs, Pierce has sabotaged his own show. What a smack in the face.