UNKLE at the Roundhouse

Last night I went to see UNKLE playing at the Roundhouse. I had high expectations for the gig and thankfully they didn’t disappoint despite the fact that most of the set focused on tracks from the recent War Stories album and I prefer the older material. That said there were still a few classics in the list such as Reign and Lonely Souls.

For a predominately electronic act, I was impressed that Lavelle didn’t rely on DAT and instead had a band of half a dozen musicians performing the various parts. Aside from a technical hitch at the beginning of the set when the volume triggered the venue’s safety gear and the gig turned unexpectedly acoustic for 30 seconds or so, it was a strong performance and an enjoyable night. There was a short encore of Rabbit in Your Headlights leading into Eye for an Eye and the show ended on a real high note.

The only down side was that the venue was more packed than the Underworld gig there last month, so it was difficult to get near the stage or find enough space to dance - which at one point led to an interesting altercation with an overprotective moron championing the delicate flower of his girlfriend. I hate people who stand still at gigs - don’t they realise that crowds move and you have to move with them?