Killing Joke: Live At The Hammersmith Apollo

I must admit that I gave a little chuckle when I was asked to review Live At Hammersmith by Killing Joke, as a good friend of mine has for many years been a huge advocate of this band's music, while I have always given him a hard time for their keyboard led 80's hits – calling them a "New Romantic" act!! Don't tell Tony (my friend), but in truth Killing Joke are an iconic act with a wide varied catalogue and a legendary fan base, totally dedicated to the band's cause – no matter which of the many line-ups they have been supporting.

As is becoming the fashion these days, this release was originally available on the night to those who attended this show and while it is good news for fans from across the globe that a wider release has now been achieved, I know that if I had queued for considerable time to get my hands on what I thought at the time was an exclusive goodie, I wouldn't now be best pleased.

However the people who did attend the Hammersmith Apollo on the 16th October 2010, have one advantage over everyone else and that is that they will be able to put this release in a context that the rest of us can't. The reason I say that? Well to be honest, this is a "You had to be there" type of release, as not only is the mix not fantastic, but in places neither is the performance. Too often everything feels on the verge of collapse and while the crowd is fervent and almost frothing for more, Jaz Coleman and his band never quite seem to able to raise their standard to that of those spurring them on. Still the energy and viciousness with which Killing Joke attack their catalogue is quite breath taking, although maybe in the case of singer Coleman, the phrase should be breathlessly taking, as he does almost sound in danger of keeling over during some of his vocals.

Not one of Killing Koke's crowning achievements, Live At Hammersmith is still a worthwhile, if not essential release, although I'm sure the fans who were there will love it.

Track Listing
1.Tom's World
2.Love Like Blood
3.In Excelsis
4.Wardance
5.Absolute Dissent
6.Bloodsport
7.E S S
8.This World Hell
9.Fall Of Because
10.Ghosts
11.Madness
12.Requiem
13.Eighties
14.Great Cull
15.Fresh Fever
16.Asteroid
17.Depth Charge
18.The Wait
19.Pssyche
20.Raven King
21.Complications
22.Endgame
23.Pandemonium

Added: November 15th 2011
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Killing Joke Official Web Site
Hits: 2280
Language: english

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