Jesus and Marychain at Glasgow Barrowland

The Jesus and Marychain brought Psychocandy to the world famous Glasgow Barrowland last night, creating a show akin to a psychedelic 60's happening - the light show was incredible and the films playing in the background felt perfect for the throbbing punk rock white noise coming from William Reid's electric guitar.

Reid's guitar growled, howled and scowled, it squealed and we could feel it, vibrating through our ears. This was a loud rock n roll show, a legendary band playing a seminal album.

Sunday was the second of two sold out nights the Marychain were playing in Glasgow. Dry ice filled the stage as the band came on at 9.30pm sharp. Jim Reid told us they would be playing their encore first, going off for a couple of minutes and then coming on to play Psychocandy. He was true to his word.

April Skies kicked in, opening proceedings in style, surging and flowing superbly. The band didn't waste any time with chat between songs. Head On was one of the best songs of the night, Jim stood at the front commanding attention while William stood by his amp, seemingly as enthralled by the sound he was generating from his guitar as the crowd.

Some Candy Talking is indie guitar perfection - the Velvets reimagined post punk in East Kilbride. Reverence was simply outstanding, William Reid given free reign to let rip over the groove as his brother told us he wanted to die just like Jesus Christ.

Upside Down was as wild and free live as it was when it was first recorded. Psychocandy and Up Too High were also played during this initial short set/encore. It whetted the appetite for a Marychain Greatest Hits set when they finish touring this album... that may take a while.

And so on to Psychocandy. The performance was spellbinding and spine tingling - and it certainly cleared my ears; leaving them ringing until the small hours of the morning.

The light show pulsed and flashed in time to the music, the projections on the big screen behind the stage added to the whole feel and the music was raw and powerful. Reid's guitar channelled everything from surf, to punk, to 60's riffs and the raw power of the Stooges. There was a least two occasions when I thought of I Wanna Be Your Dog.

The power of Psychocandy live in 2014 put the production of the album back in the 80's (admittedly very cheap production) to shame. I wouldn't bet against the Marychain releasing a live version.

The set went by in a psychedelic blur; Just Like Honey was suitably gorgeous and You Trip Me Up was the highlight of the night for me alongside the earlier Head On.

The audience reaction was as impressive as the performance. Young kids crowd surfed, pogo-d and got up on their mates shoulders and it was fantastic to witness - psychedelic garage punk pop created 30-years ago still generating a reaction.

The Marychain powered through the album leaving little if any gaps between songs, leaving the stage after It's So Hard, the feedback still echoing round the venue.

Psychocandy isn't my favourite Marychain album, I much prefer the more melodic and popper sounds of Darklands and Honey's Dead; but I gained a new respect and understanding for Psychocandy last night. The power, rawness and urgency blurred and combined with melodies, punk and pop was and is unique. It has stood the test of time - it is one of those albums that caused people to pick up guitars and form bands. 30-years on it might just do so again.

Psychocandy

Next weekend The Jesus and Marychain return to Glasgow to play 2-nights at the Barrowland Ballroom. They will be playing their legendary Psychocandy LP, originally released back in 1985.

The title captures the music contained on the record perfectly - gorgeous sugar candy pop melodies drenched in psycho white noise feedback; bringing something new, raw and exciting to students, bedsits and music fans across the country at the time. Their live shows were short and sharp; 20-minutes long and they sparked an infamous riot at the North London Polytechnic in March 1985 - see footage HERE

Psychocandy is one of those landmark albums that inspired kids across the country to pick up guitars and form bands. There are gushing melodies; Cut Dead is pure and true, hard to believe it was written in an East Kilbride council estate. Sowing Seeds flows superbly, the guitars are lovely and raw.

Just Like Honey is the opening song - Spector-esque drums usher the song in, the warm, fuzzy guitars and vocals sound like they are dipped in honey. The way the song builds and then slows down before the big climax is superb; the widescreen potential was used exquisitely in the film Lost In Translation.

Never Understand is brutal white noise feedback while the vocals and melody are pure Ramones. Something's Wrong could be considered an epic at just over 4-minutes long, the majority of songs are under 3-minutes.

Taste Of Cindy is only 1 minute and 42 seconds long - yet the Marychain cram in all kinds of guitar pop wonder and goodness.

Some Candy Talking is just sublime - not on the original vinyl release but added to the CD reissue. It is the sound of the Velvet Underground transported to the West of Scotland in the mid-80's.

You Trip Me Up is brilliant, capturing exactly what the band were about. Alan McGee speaks exceptionally fondly of the Marychain in the incredible Creation Records book My Magpie Eyes Are Hungry For The Prize. Recognising that the band were still learning how to play and record, but also that they needed to capture a moment in time on records. That rawness is what has kept Psychocandy fresh almost 30-years on.