Photo: Thanira Rates
It was Charles Darwin who stated that: "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." If one was to live by this maxim and apply it to rock ’n’ roll, then surely Primal Scream must be classed as the ultimate survivors.
Opening with the aptly titled '2013' from this year's More Light, the band set about rattling through a setlist that cherry-picks both the highlights from the aforementioned latest release, and the previous two decades, as Primal Scream effortlessly remind us what a shape-shifting vehicle of constant musical reinvention the band has been.
The six-piece have not only responded to the challenges of a fickle industry, but outlived many of their contemporaries -most of which have long since fallen by the way side. They prove tonight that they are most definitely highly-evolved.
The band has it all in their repertoire. There’s abrasive garage punk ('Shoot Speed / Kill Ligh't), Krautrock ('Swastika Eyes' is even more brutal in the flesh than it appears on the magnificent XTRMNTR), acid house and anthemic choruses all on display in abundance. This is all accompanied let’s not forget, by the effervescent Gillespie - who effortlessly skips across the stage.
It is guitarist Barrie Cadogan who unexpectedly catches the eye though as he writhes around, desperately clutching his guitar as it seems to inhibit the spirit of a aggressive python which he is struggling to tame.
Furthermore, there are very few bands that can boast an encore this riotously euphoric; following the main set’s finale apex of 'Country Girl' and the inimitable 'Rocks', an encore that included the era-defining 'Loaded', 'Come Together' and 'Movin' On Up' ensued.
It was hedonism in its purist, and most unadulterated form, it was psychedelic, esoteric and for minute 2013 became 1991. A job well done - how they evolve from here is anyone’s guess.
Below: Exclsuive photos of Primal Scream live at Brixton Academy
