Review by Nick Edwards – 3rd November

My review of Thursday night’s performance follows:

So I went up to Manchester to see Gorillaz play their album – Demon Days – live. Met the producer of the album (Dangermouse)’s agent on the train up, by complete coincidence. When we arrived at Manchester opera house, we realised what a small venue it is – only holding 2,000 (700 of which were employees of the record company!). The show started with 2D and Murdoc (as puppets) bantering on a balcony, and there followed a seemingly pointless Merrie Melodies cartoon featuring Daffy Duck (no doubt animator Jamie Hewlett’s influence). This made me impatient for the music itself, and I wasn’t disappointed – here is a tracklisting and a short review of each performance:

1. Intro – The same as the album version – very dark sounds. A good opening for the album.

2. Last Living Souls – a fantastic rendition. The string section really made it stand out, the bassline was not as prominent as I would have like, however, and this is essential in this particular song.

3. Kids With Guns – A much fuller sound than the album version, sounding much more free at the end. The vocals of Neneh Cherry added a new dimension to it.

4. O Green World – The DJ played a rather longer intro than in the album version – which I didn’t like at the time, but on reflection, allowed the track to build up over a longer time, which made the rest of the song sound better.

5. Dirty Harry – the next single! The children’s choir were good – a group of children that can actually sing in tune is a new sight for me. Bootie Brown’s rap was better live than on the studio track.

6. Feel Good Inc – Fantastic until the moment the rap began. Where were De La Soul? They were meant to be confirmed, but istead appeared on the screen. What a disappointment!

7. El Manana – A great sound. The string section sounded fantastic at the end, and really added to the overall sound of the piece.

8. Every Plant We Reach Is Dead – The guitar solo sounded really moody. The sound engineer needs a slap though, as the backing singers’ chords that are so prominent and essential in the studio version could hardly be heard. The piano solo, played by Ike Turner, was a bit of a disappointment, as it sounds so jazzy and really makes the track in the studio version, but was rather dull here.

9. November Has Come – My least favourite track on the album. MF Doom was not even there, because he is one of the majority of Americans without a passport, and to be honest, I think his rap on this track is pisspoor.

10. All Alone – Probably one of my favourite tracks on the album. Roots Manuva made a mistake in his rap, but that is simply a pitfall of any live performance. Martina Topley Bird’s vocals were brilliant, and the wole track sounded great.

11. White Light – Now this was just odd. The track itself is pretty surreal, and the screen showed a tramp running around with a can of ‘White Light Crack Booze’. The moment when a can came down from heaven was highly amusing.

12. DARE – The song started, and Shaun Ryder came in late, looking absolutely trashed, dropping his fag on the floor and giving an awful performance, with Rosie Wilson having to prompt him. At the end of the song, Damon Albran disappeared for a few minutes, and they played the song again. This time with a vibrant feel, and Shaun Ryder’s worrying dance moves. It took two attempts, but it was worth it!

13. Fire Coming Out Of The Monkey’s Head – No Dennis Hopper, but that was to be expected. The real star of this track was Jamie Hewlett’s animation that he had drawn to accompany it. Very good indeed.

14. Don’t Get Lost In Heaven – the Gospel Choir were great, and Albarn’s characteristic falsetto soared above the sound of the piano.

15. Demon Days – the string section featured heavily again and din’t disappoint. The dub reggae feel of the end of the track sounded so good live, and was a perfect ending to a near perfect show.

Encores – Damon Albarn’s charity track – what was up with the woman playing the zither thing? Was good though, and Damon got the loudest cheer of the night.

Latin Simone (Quel Pasa Contigo) – A track from the first album, performed in memory of Ibrahim Ferrer, who was over 80 when he recorded the vocals, back in 2000. A nice memorial, played well.

All in all, a good performance, with minimal mistakes. I give it 8/10.