Judging by the crowd that was present it was obvious that Garbage represented something more Special than what would normally be expected from a rock concert.
Opening was Kelli Ali, once a member of the Sneaker Pimps, now a solo artist in her own right, who's style had moved on from trip-hop/indie to 60s retro rock reminiscent of The Doors. However the night clearly belonged to Garbage, who in the span of three albums have established themselves internationally as one of the toughest rock bands around - able to cope with being labelled 'pop/rock' whilst still managing to produce punky, well constructed anthems and ballads.
The excitement in the crowd was high as the audience, mostly made up of females either with female or male partners if not in groups, waited for their icon to step on stage. Once the band stepped out they began a raw introduction to Push It, building up a highly anticipated entrance for Shirley Manson, who's recently dyed peroxide blonde hair has already inspired fans to imitate their idol.
Garbage immediately break into Temptation Waits which is followed up by a huge thank you speech from Shirley in which everyone from the band's caterers to the fans are all mentioned. The band then go on to play I Think I'm Paranoid and When I Grow Up. Throughout the show Shirley bounces and dazzles her way through songs taken from all three albums, at one point even taking part in a small exercise routine made up of stretching and press up exercises.
Even during their slower, intimate ballads such as Cup Of Coffee and So Like A Rose, there's clear evidence that Shirley's vocal alone are is one of the main elements that define these well-produced tracks. Dominant, raspy and soulful, with a versatile squeaky clean high-pitch for the catchy, cheerleading style song Cherry Lips.
Overall, this show proved that listening to them on CD is only half the Garbage experience. :: Ben Lewis |
