EWAN CAMERON witnesses a political farce that lacks a clear message
PiL (Public Image Limited)
Kentish Town Forum
CONTRARIAN, curmudgeon, punk and provocateur, former Sex Pistol John Lydon’s public image remains controversial, but London’s Forum is instead packed out to hear his flagship post-punk band Public Image Limited, commonly known as PiL.
Bounding on stage with the declaration “Back by popular demand” in his own distinctive drawl, the next 90 minutes showcase the band’s brand of post punk rock with a heavy accent of bass.
Opener Religion II is a focused, screaming attack of a song expertly delivered by Lydon backed by a band that tightly match each other’s moves and grooves.
SOPHIE WENBAN recommends a remarkable Italian quartet who revive Bluegrass on period instruments to give a taste of the communal spirit that first made it popular
MIK SABIERS revels in a band that ploughs an idiosyncratic furrow of expletive laden, guitar-driven alt rock
NEIL GARDNER listens to a refreshingly varied setlist that charts Cabaret Voltaire's voyage from avant-garde experimentalists to techno pioneers
WILL STONE is frustrated by a performance that chooses to garble the lyrics and drown the songs in reverb



