Monday 21/04/08 Blonde Redhead @ Shepherds Bush Empire, London

As assaults on the senses go, the ever expanding sounds from no-wave simulating indie veterans, Blonde Redhead is one that seeps into the ears of Shepherds Bush’s crowd panoramically from all directions, rather than a surprising slap in the face. While the New York trio have plenty of crowd pleasers to pull out from their fifteen year stretch, what’s clear from the new songs played tonight is that the Sonic Youth comparisons are now buried below a fragile delicacy, more reminiscent of shoegazing and echoes of the past.
 
Given the avant-garde elements within Blonde Redhead’s sound and singer, Kazu Makino’s kooky approach, comparisons could be drawn with Deerhoof, or, even Bjork, particularly as she scales heights in 2004’s 'Equus', and 'Melody' from 'Misery Is A Butterfly'. When Amadeo Pace takes to the mic however, the melodies get heavier in increments while resonating out to the infinity, and still it’s bewildering that only three bodies are present on stage.
 
Despite their back catalogue spanning over a decade, what’s made obvious by whoops among the audience and a lone voice declaring, “I love you”, is the popularity of songs from recent years, such as, 'Crawling Man' and the encore highlight, '23' which receives the biggest reaction of the night. After what seems like a long look back over the shoulder, questions arise as to how far they will travel through the present musical spectrum and how many more will be there to welcome them.

You can see more photos from Blonde Redhead's gig HERE