Dublin noise pioneers rattle festival with garage rarities

ANTICIPATION was high that My Bloody Valentine would do something special for their first London performance in five years. Invited to play Meltdown Festival by curator Robert Smith, the Dublin noise pioneers didn’t disappoint – especially when they premiered a new song.

Whilst there was no confirmation that the untitled track would appear on the EPs promised by frontman Kevin Shields this year, the joy of hearing new music by a band who once went 22 years between albums was enough for fans on Saturday.

Combining raw garage-punk with scuzzy drones, the new song was hugely reminiscent of their earliest work. Whilst most took advantage of the free ear-plugs offered, they made little difference: everything in Festival Hall rattled thanks to dozens of amps and effects pedals.

Another surprise came via the stunning “What You Want” – a Loveless song rarely performed live. “Soon” was another Loveless highlight, with most fans choosing to stand at this point, blissfully shoegazing in the aisles.

Occasional rustiness was evident, particularly where Shields re-started songs when he wasn’t happy.

“Wonder 2” was a brave experiment but one that didn’t quite work. With four band members playing guitars, the result was an overpowering sonic annihilation rather than something that meaningfully progressed.

Despite this, MBV were often subliminal in their skill, 35 years after their formation. During the 10minute closing crescendo “You Made Me Realise” it was evident they are still light years ahead of their peers.