“I am not my body, I am somebody.” Vocalist Rakel Mjöll projects this pivotal message of 'Somebody' to the furthest reaches of Brixton Academy. The audience is shy for openers Dream Wife but this doesn't phase them – they’re in command and they’re having a great time. For Dream Wife to open for Garbage makes worlds of sense – both acts champion a message of women going their own way, commanding respect for simply being themselves.
As Dream Wife break into the furious 'F.U.U' there is joy (and a glimmer of mischief) in guitarist Alice Go as she hits her guitar, delighted with the dissonance all while bassist Bella Podpadec expertly picks out a menacing bass line. It’s total rock and roll. There’s no mosh pit tonight, but to witness three women onstage repeatedly scream the words “bad bitches” with full conviction to thousands in a packed out Brixton Academy is something very special. The crowd may be stoic, but Dream Wife’s message has been received loud and clear.
Celebrating 20 years of Version 2.0, Garbage's set is heavy with tracks from their cyber-pop sophomore, with standouts being 'Hammering In My Head', 'When I Grow Up', 'Sleep Together' and 'I Think I’m Paranoid'. Mixing in their leftfield (for a) Bond theme 'The World Is Not Enough', 2001’s synth-pop 'Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go)' and most recent single 'No Horses', Garbage showcase two decades of sultry rebellious glory.
Playing with no amps in sight framed by minimalist strip lights, Garbage seamlessly fill what at first glance is an intimidatingly stark stage; Brixton Academy has never felt so intimate. The performance is full of joy and appreciation, lacking the obsessive, romantic melancholia that makes Version 2.0 so special – something completely understandable when standing 20 years apart from that space. However, Shirley Manson has the audience eating from the palm of her hand, hanging off her every word with adoring, unwavering attention, even when queuing for the bar for another round of Carlsberg Export. Garbage make playing for two hours at London’s most iconic venue seem effortless.
Garbage played;
Afterglow
Deadwood
Temptation Waits
Wicked Ways
Special
The World Is Not Enough
13x Forever
Get Busy With the Fizzy
Hammering in My Head
Medication
Thirteen (Big Star cover)
Can't Seem to Make You Mine (The Seeds cover)
I Think I'm Paranoid
Sleep Together
Dumb
Play Video
Soldier Through This
Lick the Pavement
Push It
When I Grow Up
You Look So Fine
Encore:
The Trick Is to Keep Breathing
No Horses
Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!)
Afterglow
Deadwood
Temptation Waits
Wicked Ways
Special
The World Is Not Enough
13x Forever
Get Busy With the Fizzy
Hammering in My Head
Medication
Thirteen (Big Star cover)
Can't Seem to Make You Mine (The Seeds cover)
I Think I'm Paranoid
Sleep Together
Dumb
Play Video
Soldier Through This
Lick the Pavement
Push It
When I Grow Up
You Look So Fine
Encore:
The Trick Is to Keep Breathing
No Horses
Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!)
