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Fans of Erasure will know they never do things by halves, with their first post-pandemic tour being no exception.
The British synth-pop duo, consisting of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke, landed at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on Tuesday 12th with their dazzling array of lights and dramatics to glitz-up the Welsh Capital, and they certainly made up for lost time.
Going into the show, I knew my 20-year-old self would likely bring down the average age of the audience, but with the 80’s being my favourite genre, this didn’t faze me in the slightest.
Myself and my boyfriend’s fabulous mother were ready for a dance, and as we surveyed the crowds around us, it looked like everyone else was as-well. My expectation of some dazzling outfits was met, with feather boas, sequins, light-up clothing and jewellery aplenty. We were in good company for a party.
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When singer Andy Bell strutted out onto the stage, I think it’s safe to say I wasn’t the only one who had Rupert Bear spring to mind. His striking yellow chequered trousers remarkably resembled the cartoon characters’, although admittedly his bright blue compact corset made the complete look a little different.
His below-the-nipple contraption looked about as comfortable as having a rock for a pillow, but comfort to Bell is likely his last thought when considering his wardrobe. Clarke on the other hand stuck to a more formal grey suit, pairing perfectly with his notorious deadpan expression, broken occasionally with a wry smile often caused by Bell.
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Striking lights graced the stage in reflection of the tour’s name: ‘The Neon’, with additional glows and graphics flashing to light up the arena. In true Erasure style, the techno-beats and electronic music were as lively as ever and kept audiences on their feet as they partied the night away to the dance anthems.
Kicking off the 23-song setlist, the band opened with their 1991 hit ‘Chorus’ to set the upbeat tone for the evening. The duo were accompanied on stage by two brilliant backing singers, Valerie and Emma, who appeared in flamboyant fur coats before ditching them for neon dresses to cool down- their vivacious fashion very fitting for the show.
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New songs from the album accompanied hits such as ‘Sometimes’, ‘A Little Respect’, and ‘Blue Savannah’ well, and was proof that this was more than a greatest hits tour. The superb new singles cemented Erasure’s status as being as fresh and current now as they were in the 80’s and 90’s.
Ever the showman, Andy made sure to connect with his audience as well as perform for them, engaging in conversation with people in the front row as well as reaching out to the whole arena. The only problem I, and no doubt others, found with this was that often the sound didn’t balance out quite right, and his words were a little lost.
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I think we all breathed a sigh of relief on Behalf of Andy, when Vince cut him free from his corset halfway through the show, breaking free from his restraint and opting for a cheeky yellow vest with a monkey on instead. ‘This is the monkey who took a selfie. I have him on a top’, he proudly informed the arena, with the cheeky photo perhaps reflecting his own personality.
A show dazzled with lights, extravagant fashion and pop classics that just kept on coming, what wasn’t to love? A packed Motorpoint saw thousands dancing and singing the night away, loving every minute of the show. It’s safe to say we all enjoyed ourselves that night, and Erasure have still got it.
Review by: Gabriela Page for KCL
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Setlist:
1. Chorus
2. Hey Now (Think I Got a Feeling)
3. Fill Us With Fire
4. Sacred
5. The Circus
6. Who Needs Love Like That
7. Nerves of Steel
8. Blue Savannah
9. Chains of Love
10. Turns the Love to Anger
11. Careful What I Try To Do
12. Sometimes
13. Save Me Darling
14. Shot A Satellite
15. Love to Hate You
16. Love Is a Stranger (Eurythmics cover)
17. Drama!
18. Always
19. Stop!
20. Push me Shove Me
21. Victim of Love
Encore:
22. Oh l’amour
23. A Little Respect