Gang Of Four
Heaven, London
02/02/2011

Although ostensibly reduced to a Gang Of Two having managed to lose their entire rhythm section since their 2004 reunion, post-punk pioneers Gang Of Four are still soldiering along gainfully despite this marked reduction in original personnel. Thankfully, the remaining core members – singer Jon King and guitarist Andy Gill – and their two hired ringers – dreadlocked bassist Thomas McNeice and drummer Mark Heaney – still make for a more than compelling live proposition and, with acclaimed new album ‘Content’ to promote, they’ve managed to pack out Heaven for this one-off London show

From the moment they enter the backlit stage and launch into new track ‘You’ll Never Pay For The Farm’, the chemistry between King and Gill is palpable. The hyperactive vocalist is very much the yin to Gill’s yang and, although King’s demented, highly energised stage persona does take some getting used to (pitched somewhere between mad-eyed, possessed soothsayer, attention-seeking toddler and inappropriate drunk uncle getting too excited at a wedding disco) it’s hugely engaging to watch. The dapper Gill, meanwhile, is aloof, steely-eyed and, as he strides across the stage with his stratocaster, exudes the utmost in sneering, middle-aged cool. The contrast between them is at its most potent during a fiery rendition of ‘Anthrax’, with the pair delivering their respective vocal lines side by side, each beneath a yellow spotlight: King is all mad-eyed facial expressions and bug-like hand movements, Gill is all brooding disdain. Gill’s guitar comes in for a beating during this song, and only narrowly misses causing serious injury after it’s hurled across the stage at head level by King. “I need to check my life insurance is up date!,” says a relieved Gill afterwards.

Most of the gig’s highlights come towards the set’s climax, with ‘He’d Send In The Army’ - complete with King smashing up a microwave oven – and ‘Damaged Goods’ both provoking feverish responses from the crowd. 

Although Gang Of Four may have left us before, everything about this gig suggests that, this time, they’re very much here to stay.

Francis Whittaker