KMFDM
Thursday 18th April 2013 – Classic Grand, Glasgow
Back to Glasgow for some of the “ultra heavy beat” that KMFDM have been refining for nearly 30 years. The Classic Grand, located on Jamaica St, is a beautiful venue. Imagine the design of the Ulster Hall in the Limelight 2.
KMFDM have been doing this for a long time, so there’s no chance of a crap show from them. Opening with ‘D.I.Y’, Sascha Konietzko’s crew proceed to obliterate the Classic Grand with the “Ultra Heavy Beat”. Having drummer Andy Selway playing over the top of the pre programmed electronics gave the sound a more realistic edge than the support bands.
Disappointingly, the set was mainly based around the post reformation albums which are mainly solid but display little of the wit and invention of their late 80’s/early 90’s work (admittedly, they do sound better live). And the lack of two guitarists meant a more electronic sounding set. Although Jules Hodgson did well enough on his own interjecting some metallic riffage, two guitarists would have thickened the sound substantially.
The end result of this is that the set is samey, but entertaining nonetheless. Lucia Cifarelli acts as a counterpoint to Konietzko (or Kapt’n K) by her animated stage presence, dominating vocals and crowd interaction.
There was only going to be one number that could close this set: the genuine classic ‘A Drug Against War.’ Thrashy and with touches of Ministry, it’s the perfect send off and the one legitimately “old” track in the set. Notably, the band look and sound more enthused when playing it.
KMFDM have clearly settled into a comfortable niche where they can tour to packed houses every night. And this has led them to become a bit too comfortable regarding the setlist. Sort it out, Kapt’n K.
