HERE in York, all the talk in the rock world is of Shed Seven's imminent return with their first album in 16 years.
Just as the Sheds were once mocked by Noel Gallagher but now share a BBC Radio 2 studio yesterday morning with Les Zeppelin's Robert Plant, so Slowdive were initially derided as "shoegazing also-rans" but return after a 22-year hiatus with a self-titled new record, a revised status as influential sonic pioneers and a new burst of fans, some as young as 22 at a Leeds Town Hall split equally behind shoegaze veterans and new converts.
Slowdive's members have busied themselves in other projects, but their triumphant reunification finds them playing better than ever, if still with muffled vocals and not a lot to say of note between songs, but the ambience-chasing, spiralling musicianship is magnificent, with echoes of Pink Floyd and My Bloody Valentine, but ultimately uniquely Slowdive.
The setlist could not have been better picked, opening with the beauteous new Slomo, taking in new highs such as Star Roving and Don't Know Why and old peaks Catch The Breeze and Souvlaki Space Station, all accompanied by brilliant lighting and projections. Gazing at shoes? Looking up to the celestial heights more like.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here