Thurston Moore

London Rough Trade East

A streamed show by the idiosyncratic guitarist from a London vinyl Mecca.

With his right hand becoming a blur, Thurston Moore closes his eyes, tilts his head back and puts his mind into a state of bliss as the epic Locomotives rolls ever on. The noise emanating from his uniquely tuned guitar steadily evolves from chimes into an ever-circling drone, and it soon becomes difficult not to share in his sense of ecstasy.

While guitarist James Sedwards and electronics embellisher Jon Leidecker are absent due to the ongoing pandemic, modern technology enables tonight’s show to be streamed live from an empty venue. Beautifully shot in black and white, Moore is joined by bassist Debbie Googe and drummer Jem Doulton as the trio perform material from his superlative new album By The Fire.

As with most gigs, it takes a little bit of time for the sound to settle. But with opening numbers Hashish and Cantaloupe – the most straightforward songs on offer – done and dusted, the trio lock into each other’s core talents to whip up a performance that transcends its limited environment, with Siren the players stretching out to explore sonic realms and vistas. Jaws drop as the mid-section noise crescendo kicks back into the central chiming riff so seamlessly as to not see the join.

Even with two members down, Thurston Moore still gives 100 per cent.