In Liverpool’s year of culture, it has been great to see the re-opening of that old arts institution, the Bluecoat. The centre has undergone a radical transformation in the three years it has been shut, and now boasts a purpose-built, multi-function performance space.
The space hosted its debut performance a few weeks ago with a brilliant set by The Steve Reid Ensemble. This week though, sees the Bluecoat turn its eyes to the local scene, by hosting a gig from Clinic. Around since 1997, Clinic have been one the most critically-acclaimed bands ever to come out of Liverpool. Their first release ‘I.P.C Subeditors Dictate Our Youth’ was trumpeted as NME’s Single of the Week, and since then they have released four albums and developed a cult following worldwide.
Noted for their use of vintage keyboards and organs, pounding rhythms, peculiar chord progressions and frontman Ade Blackburn’s intense, acidic vocals, the band have constantly pushed to find original sounds. Yet despite the fact that they have played with The Flaming Lips, Radiohead and Arcade Fire, received a Grammy nomination and appeared on the David Letterman show, they remain little known in their home city.
But perhaps this gig, which kicks off a world tour to promote new album ‘Do It’, might change this. In particular as the support act is of the most popular local bands of the moment, Hot Club De Paris, who’ve recently returned to the city having finished recording their second album in Chicago. This meeting of musical spheres is just what we need in 2008.
By Kenn Taylor
Wednesday 2nd April,
Clinic/Hot Club de Paris,
The Bluecoat,
School Lane,
Liverpool,
8:00pm-11pm,
£12
Kenn Taylor 