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There's nothing like the real thing
Spiritualized takes form at Turner Hall
By Mike Thompson
One's meant to get swept up and lost in it, absorbed in the intense waves of sound, and guided from beginning to end in the rough and honest lyrics.
Much like Turner Hall, brought back from the brink of death and now better than ever, Spiritualized returned to Milwaukee last Tuesday in the wake of their new album, "Songs in A&E" ('A&E' standing for 'Accident & Emergency,' the English version of the ER). Many of the songs were written while the lead singer, Jason Pierce, was in intensive care for a double pneumonia which nearly killed him, which is where the album title and theme comes from.
Entering the U.K. music scene around the same time as such bands as Radiohead and Oasis, Spiritualized encompasses many similar qualities of early 90's English Rock, such as semi-agressive and static guitar riffs, electronic experimentation, and the melancholic/world-weary male singer. Although they've had a few popular tracks, such as "Ladies and Gentlemen, We're Floating in Space," the band has shied away from the pop sound and focused on more experimental and psychedelic rock ventures.
Having a flair for the unique and experimental, the choice of their opening band fit right in. Though the style was quite different, Grand Ole Party, consisted of two guys on bass and guitar, and a female singer who also played drums. With a gorgeous projectile singing voice, Grand Ole Party's female singer resembled a more soulful Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs; it was quite an original sight and fantastic performance to experience. Since most people would get light headed trying to drum or sing, let alone both, it was no surprise that only one song passed 3 minutes.
In a most peculiar way, Spiritualized took the stage in a 'U' formation, which left Jason Pierce not only on the right side of the stage instead of the center (as most any band does) but also turned to face the left side of the stage for the entire set. This gave the sensation that one was witnessing a private, almost transcendent, musical experience than a run of the mill concert; unintentional, I'm sure, the formation resembled that of the Basilica plan of a Gothic church, the band creating the northern apse and Pierce taking position on what would be the pulpit. Additionally, there were no stage theatrics, call and response, or any interaction with the crowd short of Pierce applauding when he entered and exited.
The set itself lasted nearly two hours, but consisted of a normal number of songs for any performance, since many Spiritualized songs are not limited to the usual radio-friendly length. Though on the border of being classified as drone rock, Spiritualized never gets lost in lengthy jam sessions and staves off improvisations to retain their precise sound and feeling. Even though the set list was a selection of tracks across many albums, it came across more as a single cohesive experience.
Having listened to Spiritualized on and off for nearly a decade, I can confidently say that any record, tape, CD or MP3 cannot begin to touch a live performance. One's meant to get swept up and lost in it, absorbed in the intense waves of sound, and guided from beginning to end in the rough and honest lyrics. They have been around for nearly 20 years, and they just keep getting better.
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