(August 2009) MOVING into the latter part of 2009, Ultravox’s Return to Eden tour has
gathered the kind of momentum that would leave most acts standing still.
Following some hugely successful UK dates, tonight see’s the ’80’s hit makers
take to the stage in Europe, followed by an appearance at Belgium’s Lorkesse
Festival the following evening.
There’s no video backdrop this time, but if you thought Ultravox needed all the
extras they could get, guess again. With a performance that’s immediate and
edgy, it’s easy to understand why these guys are able to provoke such dedication
and emotion among their fan base right now.
The theater just about manages to contain the cheers of around thirteen hundred
keen supporters, during what’s been a long overdue rendezvous with the electro
magnetic energy of the mighty opener “Astradyne.” Never before could a few
delicate opening notes from Billy Currie’s piano create a dull ache in the pit
of the stomach – a sure indication that withdrawal from this little feast won’t
be easy. Thankfully however, this is just the start of many choice helpings.
“Passing Strangers” places Midge Ure in the spotlight for the first time this
evening as he leads the band into an electro-rock stance that’s maintained with
“We Stand Alone.” The circulation gets sufficiently boosted as “Mr X” lends its
resonating heart beat – listening carefully during the outro reveals a nod to
“Herr X.”
Understanding Ultravox’s historic impact in the pop music arena might be a tough
cookie to swallow, given their unconventional take on composition and structure.
“The Thin Wall,” possibly the most extravagant example of what we would once
term a hit, tonight stretches far and wide, identifying well with the concept
of musical light and shade within the live environment. Sustained guitar cuts
the dry ice, along with some mighty percussive crashes, before the emotive
shades of the violin to take over – all stabilized with the underlying
programmed beat.
Perhaps one of the most intimate tracks of all is “Your Name (has slipped my
mind again),” while “Vienna” calls upon its usual legendary presence, with Midge
demonstrating a matured strength in voice.
Despite some of the synth and violin parts coming across slightly lower in the
mix during the first half, things have really rocked up by the time the likes of
“One Small Day” kicks in. What’s favourable during this particular show is the
backing vocals and the bottom end frequencies; Chris’ bass really does pack a
punch this time, which wasn’t as evident during the last set of shows.
The finale offers Billy, Midge and Chris the chance to join in creating a
percussive showcase that really does put a call out to the wild.
With a renewed spring in their step – the boys are clearly enjoying every moment
– there’s a great chemistry between them on stage, with Midge being especially
talkative.
Is this a chance fling with nostalgia? Who knows, but we can only live in hope
that this current affair, and its obvious resulting passion, leads to some form
of marriage to the cause.
Ultravox have confirmed additional German dates for 2010:
Tickets are available now directly from [email protected].
For more information about Ultravox, visit their website at here. Live photo’s taken by Igloo Magazine Contributor; Jus Forrest.
Read Igloo Magazine profile with Billy Currie here.
