Since I was a bit too young to enjoy The The when they first toured though Chicago, I am quite pleased to now be part of their history. This apparent “coming out of hiding” was noted by lead singer Matt Johnson with their first visit to Chicago in 18 years. The best part – according to the vibe of the crowd – they didn’t disappoint. Everything you’d expect from a middle-aged British post-punk band – a vitality on stage not met by their physical age and a charisma that keeps the crowd’s attention.
Moving through the crowd, one would immediately have the feeling of attending a reunion. A fairly homogeneous crowd, happy to see each other, respectful, and very focused on the main act like it were a sing-along. The music added to this scene by creating a heart beat of sorts, which kept everyone moving together. The keyboards, especially, were captivating – almost matching the decor of the room and the people. The overall sound was tight, which made me appreciate their familiarity and comfort with the stage.
The Brits sure do know how to make music and keep us coming back.
Check out GlobalEyes from their NakedSelf album, a real grinder that translated so righteously in the comfort of the sold out Riviera Theatre show.
