One of the most architecturally astounding and unique spaces in London hosting one of the most influential rock bands of the UK post punk scene—The Sisters of Mercy with two sold out nights at the Roundhouse had the makings for one of the most epic shows of the year, and it delivered big. “We rock like a motherfucker,” says Sisters frontman Andrew Eldritch in a recent interview, and that certainly was the case.
If there was ever any doubt that the Sisters of Mercy are a full-blown rock ‘n’ roll band, that can be fully put to rest within the first few songs of their live show. While Eldritch remains the only “original” member of the group, he’s hired some incredibly capable musicians to back him for his electrifying live show.
Although the Sisters of Mercy only officially released three studio albums, they are a prime example of quality over quantity. Whether this is because of a war with their former record label Warner/ East West, it does beg the question—what could have been? Eldritch has mentioned over the years that while the band has recorded bits and pieces, there are no plans for a new record as the value of recorded music continues to be questioned. But he did mention that if Trump gets elected that there would, in fact, be a new Sisters record. So if there is one tiny sliver of goodness that comes from the nightmare that is Trump, this could be it.
After viewing the setlist from the previous night online, it’s hard to choose which was the better selection of songs. Although there was a bit of overlap, each set had a rarity or two along with a cover from either a Sisters offshoot or a kindred spirit.
Twenty one songs across a brilliant set that spawned two encores left the crowd reeling as they finished the night off with the goth rock classic “This Corrosion.” Highlights from the set for me were several of the songs from the Sister’s swan song, 1990’s Vision Thing. These songs translate best to a live environment in my opinion and sounded as fresh that night as they did when they were originally released almost thirty years ago. Critics will say Floodland is the better record, but they didn’t see this show.
Opening the evening was Irish ’90s alt rock indie heroes Therapy? I’ve always really dug these guys as Troublegum was one of the records I played constantly back in my record store days. They sounded fantastic and just released a new double live acoustic record that was recorded at the famed Union Chapel here in London.
THERAPY?
