Welcome to the League Of Gentlemen. This is yet another improbable event, full of hazard. We suggest that you listen and dance simultaneously,” says Robert at the top of the band’s show in New York’s Irving Plaza. There’s a wonderful edge to this gig which might stem from the fact that it was sold out. You can hear the punters really getting behind the band, with fulsome roars of approval at the end of each short, sharp shock of the League’s new wave salvos. Reviewing the gig Kurt Loder observed “Although there was no singing, each brief tune was based on distinct and clearly delineated ideas, making the effect continuously stimulating.” Fripp’s comment regarding the event being full of hazard is fleshed out when Johnny Toobad comes to a halt several bars too early in an eye-poppingly spirited Trap. Though it’s sadly missing its introduction there’s a splendidly wayward rendition of Eye Needle that seems to be forever flirting with collapse. Either of these (and more) “errors” in other circumstances might be seen as a negative. Here however the joyous nature of the music transcends such benchmarks. The mix here is especially good bringing Barry Andrews work throughout the evening to the fore. there’s a wonderful edge to this gig.
