Mclusky at Warsaw (photo by Kate Hoos)
It’s been nearly 22 years since Mclusky (or mclusky, or occasionally mclusky*) found success with their breakthrough album Mclusky Do Dallas, and nearly as long since they appeared live in New York City. A large and eager crowd awaited them at Warsaw this past Thursday to hear old favorites, as well as the new music the band has surprised us with.
The first opening act, local Brooklyn band Pure Adult kicked things off in high gear with their blend of experimental, danceable no wave post punk, grabbing the crowd’s attention immediately. Next, Martha’s Vineyard Ferries offered a thick, punishing sound. With members of Shellac (bassist Bob Weston) and Codeine (drummer Chris Brokaw) they are obviously no strangers to noise or droning, and have multiplied both in this act. I found myself focusing on Brokaw who provided deep, driving rhythms. They were great but if you want to be up front and have old ears like me, my advice is to wear earplugs or suffer the consequences.
Mclusky last appeared in NYC at Mercury Lounge in 2004, and this was a triumphant return. I always worry about three piece bands live and if they will be able to keep up with the promised noise of an album, but that absolutely was not the case here. Mclusky achieved amazing fullness and tone, sounding spot on, moving from walls of sound to (relatively) softer moments while maintaining total sonic control of the venue.
“Fuck This Band” was an excellent choice of opener, easing in to the set with that signature looping bassline. The band wound their way through songs off Mclusky Do Dallas, as well as selections from My Pain and Sadness is More Sad and Painful Than Yours (2000) and The Difference Between Me and You Is That I’m Not on Fire (2004). Mclusky are known for a cheeky vibe, but no matter how snarky the lyrics get they always sound straight from the heart. Singer and guitarist Andrew Falkous noted at one point in the set that dedicating a Mclusky song to anyone sounds like “a death threat.”
“Rice Is Nice,” Whoyouknow,” and “Alan Is A Cowboy Killer” were all here, as were both tracks of last year’s double A side single “The Unpopular Parts of A Pig” (a particular favorite of mine) and “The Digger You Deep.” This single picked up right where they left off in my opinion, and it’s fantastic to see them still creating new music.
Their most well known song is of course “Lightsabre Cocksucking Blues” (remember when the internet looked like this?) which Falkous noted in a deadpan voice was “described by the lead singer of Placebo as pretty good. What an astonishing life achievement.”
Mclusky at Warsaw (photo by Kate Hoos)
Drummer Jack Egglestone played the gig behind a plastic barrier, which is for the comfort of Falkous, who was struck with tinnitus during their first attempt at a reunion tour, forcing the band to reschedule a number of dates. Fortunately, this did nothing to blunt the ferocity of his attack for the audience. (Falkous also wears noise canceling headphones to help cut out harsh sound on stage.) Current bassist Damien Sayell is an energetic force, dancing around the stage and contributing vocals. (The round vocals from the band on “She Will Only Bring You Happiness” were a highlight of the show.) Another highlight was “To Hell With Good Intentions,” which Falkous—jokingly? I can never tell—referred to as the worst song in the set. He asked an audience member to choose between two songs for a late addition, and while I would have liked “No Covers,” I must admit that “That Man Will Not Hang” sounded sick live. What a bass tone!
Before the show ended the band took time to thank the techs, sound crew and managers. Falkous said “I know I don’t look emotional… but this is a very big moment for us.” Judging by the crowd response, it was a big moment for them, too. Welcome back, Mclusky.
Scroll down for setlist, pics of the show (photos by Kate Hoos)
Setlist: Fuck This Band, Dethink to Survive, Without MSG I Am Nothing, Collagen Rock, What We’ve Learned, Day of the Deadringers, Unpopular Parts of a Pig, Lightsabre Cocksucking Blues, Chases, She Will Only Bring You Happiness, The Digger You Deep, Et tu, Edwards?, You Should Be Ashamed Seamus, To Hell With Good Intentions, Rice Is Nice, The Battle of Los Angelsea, Alan Is a Cowboy Killer, That Man Will Not Hang, Gareth Brown Says, Whoyouknow
PURE ADULT
MARTHA’S VINEYARD FERRIES
MCLUSKY
