There is this running joke with my Kiwi friend that I am just making up band names.
If I was to mention 'Gut Health' and 'Primal Scream', she'd probably think I was heading to a wellness retreat with a bit of alternative therapy thrown in. Monday night (13 January) would see these bands (who are totally not a figment of my imagination) visit The Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane.It was back in 2018 when the Scottish rock band last graced our shores, so this tour has been highly anticipated by fans. Primal Scream take me back to the '90s getting our 'rocks off' as we were 'Movin' On Up'.
Admittedly there is a huge gap in my knowledge of their music since 'Screamadelica' (1991) and 'Give Out But Don't Give Up' (1994), but as I listen to their subsequent releases there is sense that I have been enjoying their style without really knowing it for decades.
The new album 'Come Ahead' was released last year and the tour would give us a generous taste of this new offering. The 2024 album was made with what appears to be a small township of musicians and even a gospel choir. There is only so much room on the stage/ tour bus/ plane, so it would be interesting to how these tracks would be performed live.
The consensus is that a Primal Scream concert is just one big party that shouldn't be missed. After giving the new album a listen, I get that party vibe.
Gut Health - image © Radical Imaging Photography
Warming up the crowd were a six piece from Naarm / Melbourne called Gut Health. (I swear some old guy was trying to make me watch an info video on this band. Possibly a different 'gut health'.) They're described as a hypnotic dance-punk ensemble. This will go along with the party atmosphere of the night.
Their lead singer Anthina Uh Oh takes the stage in an awesome outfit including a set of black wings. She is an Energizer Bunny as she captivates the crowd with her contagious enthusiasm and powerful vocals.
There's a lot going on around her as five other musicians (and a lot of equipment) fills the stage. We have a couple of drum sets, rhythm guitars, keyboards, bass guitars and variety of other percussion instruments. There is a heavy emphasis on the driving rhythm section (did I mention two drum kits) backed by guitar and synth.
The songs are brought home by the melodies and lyrical wit of Anthina. I am loving the punk feel as the set goes on and the crowd get into the mood to jump around a bit. There is a mix of snarling guitars and pounding drums, which act like a primitive heartbeat. The explosive set takes us for a ride showing off the prowess of the band and leaves us wanting more.
Gut Health - image © Radical Imaging Photography
The crowd goes wild as Bobbie Gillespie enters the stage. He is the definition of cool in a white suit and snakeskin boots. The Scottish musical legend is a founding member and the sole continuous member of Primal Scream since inception in the '80s.
With mic in hand, he's joined by Andrew Innes (guitar), Darrin Mooney (drums) and Simone Butler (bass guitar). We don't quite get the whole township of musicians cramming themselves onto the tour bus, but the Australian tour does see a few additional musicians take the stage.
On saxophone we have Alex White and on keyboard is Terry Miles. The paired down gospel choir has two back-up singers joining the band. The result is an awesome ensemble that puts a new spin on the band's repertoire.
Primal Scream - image © Radical Imaging Photography
'Swastika Eyes' from the 2000 release 'XTRMNTR' kicks off the party with an electronic feel. The 17-song set would take us on a journey through numerous music genres. The new album 'Come Ahead' would provide eight songs that were seamlessly interspersed with the older material. The live performance of these new tracks would make the most of the touring band and took them to another level.
My personal highlight of the set came with three songs just before the encore. The familiar words rung out and indicated we were about to get a taste of this 'Screamadelica' classic, 'Loaded'.
'Just what is it that you want to do?
'Well, we wanna be free, we wanna be free to do what we wanna do
'And we wanna get loaded and we wanna have a good time'
We're definitely here for a good time.
With maracas in hand Bobby gets the crowd pumped as we are treated to an awesome rendition of 'Movin' On Up', the crowd hyped as 'Country Girl' (from 'Riot City Blues') kicks in to conclude the main set.
We got a taste for 1994's album 'Give Out But Don't Give Up' early with 'Jailbird' energising the crowd. Punters' enthusiasm for this hit would pail in comparison to the last song for the night, 'Rocks'.
Primal Scream - image © Radical Imaging Photography
'Dealers keep dealin', Thieves keep thievin',' signals the start of this absolute classic and definite crowd favourite. There are hands in the air and lyrics being shouted as the show comes to an end on a high.
The gig is a testament to the continued relevance and enduring legacy of Primal Scream. We hope to see them visit Australia again in the not-too-distant future.
More photos from the concert.
