Broadcast
The Deaf Institute, Manchester
08/12/2009

A haze of static and reverb, Broadcast have clearly taken nods from label-mates Squarepusher and Boards Of Canada in a live setting, making tonight uneasy listening. Endless loops are swathed in transistor fuzz as formerly subdued pop gems are reduced to a seething mass of digital effects. The influence of Stereolab that permeated the bands earlier career is barely apparent, although Broadcast always did have a darker, harsher edge. It’s as if Keenan and Cargill have conspired to bury their lilting alt. pop amid layers of silt to deter the over-eager fan.

Yet for all the awkwardness and audience baiting, the band are a strangely compelling proposition. Maybe it’s the bass-heavy bombardment, or Keenan’s tortured vocals that catch your attention, but the thing that keeps it is without doubt the monochromatic visuals. Black, white, black, white, grey – shadows convulse in a repulsive light. The films, shapes, and eventually, garish reels of colour are another attempt to stare the spectator down, daring you to enjoy it and, for some part they almost succeed. Flashes of primary colour, intense heat and bad vibrations are nauseating and for all their artistic integrity Broadcast’s failings are unveiled piece by piece here. What stands as captivating for five, ten – even 15 minutes struggles to remain so for any longer; there is little mystery in repetition, the music, the visuals come in cycles refusing to change or progress.

Broadcast have always been hindered by a lack of real conviction; their records might portray a sense of clarity, straying close to a version of beauty at times, but this is hardly apparent live. Untroubled by self-awareness Broadcast allow themselves to be caught up in the details of performance – and why not? This is art, right?

Will Metcalfe