There is nothing better than to be greeted at a venue’s door by a large group of like-minded and like-dressed folk. Just like last Friday eve, with our bright city’s gothic contingent elevating the statis of Psychodrama’s CD launch into a veritable ‘event’.
With Sage rueing the thought of this possibly being their final gig, their loyal entourage saw an expanded line-up of some familiar faces. Drummer Chris Wood (Mountain Hope, Vivid), the backing vocals of Tracey from the as-yet-unheralded Sequioa and a mystery Tank Girl figure very much refined and expanded the tales of woe, loss and dark theatrics that Sage do so well.
Sage (plus three) held their cosmic co-conspirators in the crowd rapt in their doom tales and muse, sometimes moving a bit too close to the boundaries of glam rock but nonetheless pushing along that forever recognisable early-eighties, urban voodoo goth rock thing.
Psychodrama did not take the fashion accessories to quite the same extremes as Sage but their sound and sensibilities were directed right at the very fabric of the self-martyred assembly.
On stage, Laura Scafidi was like the epitomised indie girl – a beautiful voice wrapped in a five foot-something frame of shyness. Guitarist/vocalist Robin Bugden’s serious side bounced off the shy Laura, the boy/girl chemistry adding further force to Psychodrama’s moody lyrics.
With guitar sounds resembling smooth keyboard tones, Psychodrama mixed their intelligent words with melodious layers of sound. Already-popular live songs like Deeper and Simmer, both off Love Songs (For An Age Of Hate), were met with both glee and Laura’s uncomfortable response to the audience approval. Indie cool.
Adam Connors
