Throwing Muses ride a wave of creativity with an inimitable and spirited live performance in Glasgow.

A remarkable musical history

Throwing Muses have a remarkable musical history going back to their formation in the early 1980s. A vital musical presence both live and on record, their new album Moonlight Concessions cements their reputation for music that is constantly evolving and exploring new modes of creative expression. Led by Kristin Hersh, who is also an author, and a well-respected solo artist, they attract a near capacity audience at Glasgow’s The Garage venue, evidence of the well-deserved continuing popularity of the band.

This touring version of the band includes alongside Kristin Hersh, on guitars and vocals, Fred Abong on drums, and Kristin Hersh’s son Dylan on bass. Alongside them on cello is Pete Harvey, who is a key part of the chamber music sound on the Moonlight Concessions album. They are a great musical combination, able to play with a palpable dynamism, anything from the band’s extensive canon of songs, alongside songs from the new album.

Propulsive and edgy precision 

Opening with Theremini, from the new album, immediately noticeable is the propulsive and edgy precision to their live sound, that is very immersive. In addition, Pete Harvey’s cello playing expands the sound palette of the band, adding new musical layers. It is also a very focused sound, that engages the attention and involvement of the audience right from the start of the concert.

Dark Blue, from the 2020 Sun Racket album, is the song that takes the set up a gear, with its relentless driving rhythm. The audience responds accordingly, and Kristin Hersh smiles, seeming to be genuinely moved by the response.   

Bywater, also from the Sun Racket album, brings Pete Harvey’s cello work to the fore, with a striking introduction section, and edgy counterpoints, that add a resonance of the early Velvet Underground. The live performance of this song has a very engaging instrumental swing, adding a poetic sensibility to some of the almost spoken word vocal parts. Following the conclusion of the song, the band is introduced, with the warmth of meeting old friends again.

Garage rock with a danceable pop sensibility

Slippershell, from the Purgatory/Paradise album, is classic Throwing Muses, combining garage rock with a wonderous danceable pop sensibility. The rolling drum pattern combines effortlessly with the ringing guitar phrases, and accentuating cello melodies. Kristin Hersh’s vocal passionately flies over the music. Colder, from the second Throwing Muses studio album House Tornado, follows and is full of tricky time signatures. The excellent bass playing here is precision personified, expertly leading the band through the song changes. At the end of the song Kristin Hersh deservedly complement’s her son Dylan’s playing.

Three songs at around the midpoint of the set, highlight different aspects of the Throwing Muse’s current live sound. Drugstore Drastic, from the new album, is literally a classic pop song, played tonight in a very danceable and catchy delivery. In contrast, Lazy Eye from the Purgatory/Paradise album, commences with soft acoustic figures and gothic like cello lines and a gentle rumbling bass. Then out of the mist, emerges the central rhythm and blues styled acoustic riff and clamouring drums, as the band really hits its stride. Throwing Muses can do these musical contrasts in the most impressive of ways.

A DEFINING TRACK

Then there is Summer Of Love, which is perhaps one of the most defining tracks on the new album. The near perfect melding of cello, voice, acoustic guitar and the rhythm section in a jagged syncopated riff, over which the cello and guitar offer some shimmering phrases, creates a chamber pop classic. It is an exhilarating experience live, with the sound completely filling the venue. The band are exchanging smiles at the end, and no wonder. 

At the latter end of the concert, the instantly recognisable Counting Backwards, from The Real Ramona album, is played in an almost understated fashion, which works well in allowing the song’s subtleties to come through as well as fully integrating Pete Harvey’s cello into such an iconic song. A great version.

A rapt and attentive audience

A particular highlight coming towards the end of the set, is the performance of Sally’s Beauty, another pick from the new album. Fred Abong’s delicate cymbal work is superb, and Kristin Hersh’s voice is perfectly pitched to convey the emotion of the song, with Pete Harvey’s mournful cello performing like a second voice. The rapt attention from the audience is quite moving and is followed by a big appreciative cheer when the song ends.

The encore of Shark and Bright Yellow Gun, from the Limbo and University albums respectively, is a joyous conclusion to the show. Kristin Hersh tells the Garage audience, “Thank you for sticking around”, which is touchingly self-effacing, as the band launches into Shark. The band absolutely attack it, with waves of sound flying out from the stage.  The version of Bright Yellow Gun is transcendent, with many of the audience dancing, to an absolute classic of garage pop. Fred Abong’s infectious drumming is pivotal, as the band take off and push this great song to its absolute limits. If ever a song deserved to be a great hit and become a classic of its genre, Bright Yellow Gun is it. 

A final reflection on Throwing Muses

Taken together, Throwing Muses new album Moonlight Concessions and the live performance in Glasgow, emphasise an undimmed vibrant and authentic creativity. A commitment to making music that both moves and communicates lived experience, that reminds you why music can create such a sense of mutuality and is ultimately healing.  Kristin Hersh and her fellow musicians in Throwing Muses always aim high and never disappoint. As the lyrics to Summer of Love put it:

“And finally, life as it should have been. And finally, life as it should be” 

If you want to experience Throwing Muses live, more details of their current tour are available here

For more information about Kristin Hersh  and Throwing Muses Website / Instagram / X (formerly Twitter) / YouTube / Facebook

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