The Breeders, Albert Hall. 26th June 2024

Holy shit it’s hot in here. The Breeders aren’t even on stage and the heat is uncomfortable. This has long been one of my favourite venues, but it’s fair to say it’s pretty unbearable when the needle creeps into the red. The reason it’s great is the grand church like surroundings and the acoustics. These things sadly outdate air-conditioning though. People are drinking beer, I can see some are not going to make it to the end. Parking myself upstairs... I know heat rises, but there’s fans up here and most folks are sat down. I’m ready for The Breeders to celebrate their album Last Splash. Celebrate, not play in full. I think some bands are wising up to the limitations of playing an album in full live. Tonight these alt rock giants get it right. Playing with the order, dropping some of the more atmospheric elements to the album. Making the set work. This is the line up that most would consider original. Josephine Wiggs on bass, Jim Macpherson on drums and the Deal sisters. Last Splash isn’t an album I’ve gone back to much over the years, so this will be a real refresher and I’ve never seen them live before. Kelley has the right idea, she’s got her fan set to hurricane, blowing her hair back as they kick off with ‘Saints’. They’re a great garage rock band, no fluff, no fuss. Solid guitars, the classic quiet loud dynamic and some lovely harmonies. It’s quickly obvious that the set is going to jump around as we get ‘Doe’ from Pod, probably the only other record of theirs I know well. There’s quite a lot tonight that I’ve either not heard before, or it’s been so long I’ve forgetting. Like one called ‘Safari’ (I think) with guitars that sound stratospheric. The bass riff sends shivers down my spine, which is rather lovely in these temperatures. It matters not whether you can sing along or not, they’re brilliant live. No posturing. Down to earth. Genuine. They sound awesome too and some brave souls down the front are pogoing. In this heat. Crazy. Things slow down for the more sedate songs. Kim’s angelic vocal drifting with the lamenting surf guitar. Before we crank up again for ‘Disobedience’. Dramatic drums ushering in an indie pop banger. The spot lights kick in and it feels a bit more showy. Not a bad thing though. “You guys still doing alright?” Kim asks, “This place is a bit vampiric”. She’s not wrong. I’m doing alright, but I’m jelous of those down the front being handed water from security as ‘No Aloha’ softly begins. The pit widens as the guitars kick in again and I’m not sure if the smoke on stage is coming from a machines or the band. You never hear from the drummer do you. Well we do tonight as Jim comes to front of stage to say hello, introduce himself and the band, and say what a beautiful city this is. To loud cheers of course. It’s a nice interlude and again illustrates what a lovely bunch of people they are. Kelley sings ‘I Just Wanna Get Along’ commenting that the fan blowing wind in her hair “is the best”. I can’t recall what this song reminds me of, but its punk tone is infectious. After aborting ‘Only in 3s’ on the first attempt, they kick back in gloriously. It’s gotta be said, both sisters sing brilliantly. Kim’s breathy delivery amazing retaining real power over that wall of power chords. ‘Do You Love Me Now?’ heralds the first big singalong. The guitar’s still there, but it’s a softer tune and strikes me they’ve more range than I’ve given them credit for in the past. Sometimes it all comes in one song, like ‘New Year’ than goes up through the gears with fearsome speed, the perfect set up for ‘Cannonball’ for which everyone predictably goes bonkers. They’re far from one trick ponies, but this is next level. A bonafide classic and it brings the roof down. After that, the pit needs a rest and gets it with ‘Drivin’ On 9’, a poppy little number that bounces along, getting everyone swaying. From pop to dark menace to ‘Metagoth’, which Josephine declares is perfect for Albert Hall’s gothic surroundings. Kelley has turned her fan on the crowd which is a nice touch, as it’s ominous “no one’s here to stay” line broodingly soaring around the high ceilings. ‘Gigantic’ then explodes from the stage, living up to its name. Kim takes the bass and Josephine the guitar. It sounds massive. Better than Pixies? Who can say, too close to call. It’s really been a varied and stunning set and they’re not done as they return for the encore with ‘Walking With a Killer’. It’s lovely, but I’ll admit I’m starting to dream of fresh air. Not long to go though as ‘Divine Hammer’ is chosen to close a marvellous set that has everyone up on their feet thanking a great band for a flawless 90 minutes. Stunning stuff, but I’ll admit the wave of relief as the air begins to cool with every step down the stairs is quite magical. Hot stuff.