GIG REVIEW: Portishead w/ The Adults, Vector Arena, Auckland - 10/11/2011

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Photo: Rimoni

Portishead
w/ The Adults
Vector Arena
Auckland
10.11.11

Familiar with the individual members of The Adults’ work but not the band itself, I checked out a few tunes beforehand, including the compelling video for ‘Nothing To Lose’.

The latter suggested interesting possibilities for the band live, which I’m happy to say principal members Shayne Carter, Jon Toogood, Julia Deans and Gary Sullivan delivered on. They filled Vector with their psychedelic-tinged sonics and songs, paving the way superbly for Bristol’s Portishead to occupy the stage and venue.

It’s been a decade since we’ve seen them and although after 20 years they’re only at album three, they’ve crafted a repertoire of material that makes a uniquely magical live experience.

With all the instruments and musicians brought forward into an intimate semi-circle near front of stage, and stunning visuals occupying the rear of stage, Beth Gibbons, Geoff Barrow, Adrian Utley and their band transformed a cavernous venue into a sensuous cocoon. Ostensibly a showcase of the third album, strikingly titled Third, with eight songs played, including three songs introducing the show and ‘We Carry On’ closing the 16-song set, the industrial experimentalism of the record made sense juxtaposed against five songs from debut Dummy and two songs off second album Portishead.

Standouts from their career were delivered with power and poignancy, sounding very much like their recorded counterparts though not disappointingly so. The skill, confidence and poise of the band were evident throughout, with Gibbons occupying centre stage with quiet calm and focus.

Her voice was captivating. And the visuals supported her words and the dynamic nature of the music with a dramatic, often mesmerising ambiance. ‘Glory Box’ was a notable standout, with Gibbons’ plaintive vocals and poetry summing up the appeal of this special band. And the encore of ‘Roads’ and ‘We Carry On’ perfectly encapsulated the dichotomy between spectral beauty and abrasive intensity.

Modern classical music that’s classic modern music. Or visa versa. Either way, an incredible performance and experience from a band that simply does it their way. And that’s the best way.

Check out photos from the gig here.


By Barney McDonald