Experience the Electric Energy of The Jesus And Mary Chain at Roadburn Festival 2024: A Live Review
Imagine being amidst a crowd where the cacophony of noise bands envelops you, and suddenly, The Jesus And Mary Chain takes the stage. It’s a stark contrast akin to a breath of fresh air in a smog-infested city. This was the scene at Roadburn Festival 2024, where the Scottish band found themselves in uncharted territory – the position of being considered the ‘most commercial’ band on the lineup. Surrounded by experimental acts like Couch Slut, Khanate, and Blood Incantation, The Jesus And Mary Chain might as well have been the Spice Girls in comparison.
As they kicked off their set to a half-empty Main Stage, there was an air of disaffected indie cool surrounding them. Their initial songs, including Jamcod, Happy When it Rains, and Head On, were delivered with a Lou Reed-like aloofness that bordered on lethargic. However, as they delved deeper into their set, the band found their groove, offering dark pop hooks intertwined with bass-driven post-punk anthems.
What sets The Jesus And Mary Chain apart is their ability to blend chart-topping success with artistic integrity. Hits like Just Like Honey, Darklands, and Reverence are testaments to their unmatched songwriting prowess. Even amidst their festival performance, the band strayed away from predictable setlist choices and showcased tracks from their latest album, Glasgow Eyes, which seamlessly blended electronic elements with melancholic melodies.
Though their classic rock influences might have been lost on some festival-goers more attuned to death metal or experimental genres, songs like Some Candy Talking, Blues From A Gun, and I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll managed to captivate the audience. As the set progressed, The Jesus And Mary Chain delved deeper into experimental territory, infusing their noise pop with swiveling lights and surreal elements, creating a mesmerizing experience for those in attendance.
Closing their set with an extended instrumental build-up reminiscent of The Stone Roses, albeit with a twist of Hawkwind, Jim Reid expressed genuine gratitude towards the audience. Despite being perennial outsiders in the music scene, The Jesus And Mary Chain’s music remains a beacon of solace for those who resonate with their unique sound.
Released via Fuzz Club, ‘Glasgow Eyes’ showcases the band’s evolution and continued relevance in the music industry. The Jesus And Mary Chain’s setlist at Roadburn Festival 2024 encompassed a mix of classic hits and new tracks, ensuring a diverse and engaging performance for their fans.
In a world where mainstream success often comes at the cost of artistic compromise, The Jesus And Mary Chain stand as a testament to staying true to one’s vision while still capturing the hearts of a global audience. As the echoes of their performance lingered in the air, one thing was clear – The Jesus And Mary Chain may not be the conventional festival headliner, but their music remains a vital force that transcends boundaries and resonates with audiences worldwide.
