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Marking the first Los Angeles appearance since 1998 (when legend has it members of the Scottish alternative rock band decided to part ways), last night The Jesus and Mary Chain headlined after opening acts Evan Dando and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Earlier this year the band reunited, playing a show at Coachella that seemed to elicit more mentions about Scarlett Johansson on stage than the actual music.
If the performance at the Wiltern yesterday proved anything, The Jesus and Mary Chain have returned – this time with their signature sound, but a little older and wiser. It wasn’t a mind-blowing show, but still an extremely successful and enjoyable one. Jim Reid’s vocals were strong and clear and the musicianship supporting him continued to shine, especially from drummer Steve Monti.
Focusing mainly on songs from their more successful years, “Head On” was included as one of the openers followed later by “Far Gone and Out” and “Blues from a Gun”. The set also included duets with a woman I couldn’t identify (but think it might be Annie of Giant Drag) for “Just Like Honey” and “Sometimes Always.”
Although it wasn’t a sold-out performance, the venue wasn’t empty by any means. There didn’t seem to be a lot of new, baby-faced fans, but more of those who wanted to reminisce and see what this reunion had to offer. We heard one avid fan exclaim, “This music makes me want to wear leather!” For me, the wall of sound created by crunching guitars and Reid’s soulful voice continued to resonate even after the show - a perfect soundtrack while driving a muscle car.
The band ended their encore with “Reverence.” To many fans, seeing one of your older favorites emerge successfully from nostalgia and make their music relevant again is often part of continuing your own reverence for them. The Jesus and Mary Chain certainly accomplished this and hopefully their upcoming album will deliver the goods for new and loyal audiences alike.
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Actually, the drummer is Loz Colbert who, if you really knew anything about 90s shoegaze or noiserock, was formerly the drummer of Ride, a fellow Creation Records band.
I don't know who that girl was who sang with Jim Reid, but it wasn't Annie Hardy of Giant Drag. For starters, this girl was attractive and could actually sing.
Drummer Steve Monti hasn't been with the band for a while now.
fyi, SD show yesterday was canceled due to the fires.
hey BentswoodGirl, when you get that stick removed from your ass, let us know, k?