Live review: The Psychedelic Furs have a spark that does not fade

Words by Riyah Naik

This autumn, The Psychedelic Furs brought their post-punk sound to numerous venues across the UK. The tour's line-up consisted of Richard Butler on vocals, Tim Butler on bass, Richard Good on guitar, Amanda Kramer on keys, and Zachary Alford on drums. The Furs without a doubt held an irreplaceable standpoint in the influence of psychedelic and alternative music of the eighties, with many of their songs still prominent among younger audiences today. This was reflected by the wide variety of ages that appeared throughout the crowd to see the show.

Many of the band's songs feature in prominent films and pieces of media, such as Call Me by Your Name and The Wilds, re-establishing their legacy over and over again. The show was an intimate one, with the band performing at the Albert Hall, its beautiful architecture and moody lighting enhancing the atmosphere of the room. As the room slowly filled, anticipation crept up amongst an audience desperate for someone to turn their attention to. The opener, post-punk icon Anja Huwe, provided that. She was excellent at preparing the crowd for The Psychedelic Furs, with her energetic stage presence and unique sound, which was all the more exciting for fans who would have been aware that the set was one of her first UK shows in over fifteen years.

At last, when The Furs appeared on stage, the audience was immediately hooked. Richard Butler, who has been a part of the band since its formation in 1977, carried his performance with the enthusiasm of someone performing for the very first time. He continuously made the show feel special, as if his excitement was purely reserved for this show and this audience. The audience shared this excitement, singing, dancing, and reaching out during each song.

Butler remained aware that people witnessing this performance may well have been experiencing their first Furs live show, despite listening to the band throughout their lives, and he was sure to make this feel unique for them. Butler's stage presence was unlike any other; it was obvious that he was joyous to be there, jumping in excitement after each song, interacting and smiling with not only the crowd but his other bandmates. There's something about the way he moves and sings each lyric that makes it impossible to take your eyes off him, and someone in the audience genuinely said, "now that is an entertainer”.

Younger fans interacted less, but the older fans continuously danced throughout the entire show, although the emotional impact was no doubt the same, with such undivided attention from all. The Psychedelic Furs played a wide variety of songs such as the more upbeat 'Love My Way' and 'Pretty in Pink', which received particular eager reactions from the audience. They also left room for deep cuts, including ballads from their discography. Each of the musicians had their own chance to shine, for example through the transcendental guitars in 'Wrong Train'. The drums consistently remained strong and confident, and the band played with an effortlessness that could only be performed by a group who have genuinely perfected their craft.

The performance solidified just how the band have remained such a prominent name: Kramer's synth textures weaved atmosphere into ballads like 'Heartbreak Beat' and more upbeat songs such as 'Heaven', while Alford's tight and dynamic drumming shone during 'India'. However, the band did come on later than expected, and had a slightly short setlist. And, although this didn't take from the quality of the performance, they appeared to have left the audience wanting more. The Psychedelic Furs ended their set with 'India', which was an atmospheric yet dynamic way to end their set, every aspect of their performance coming into fruition at once, leaving the audience mesmerised and closing a night to remember.