Reformation, Post TLC

Mere days after attending the worst gig of the year at the hands of The Fall, last night we witnessed the same band perform indisputably the best gig of the year, at York Fibbers.


Where Wednesday's incarnation was drunkenly shambolic and horribly off the pace, last night was focused, punchy, and thrilling. It is doubtless infuriating that Mark E Smith can turn himself on and off at the cost of his loyal audience's goodwill and patience, but last night The Fall delivered a breathless set of driving garage rock which gripped from the start.

Having been let down so miserably in Leeds earlier in the week, expectations were admittedly low but it would have counted as a terrific gig whatever the preconceptions. Reformation was a particular standout but there were also ripping versions of Nate, Psykick Dancehall, and Strychnine.