The Stranglers
Bristol Academy
22nd October, 2008

Recently turned 70 and back after illness, Jet Black might look like a grandpa, but his precise, minimal drumming was the perfect foil to Jean Jacques Burnel’s imperious bass. Add to this Dave Greenfield’s distinctive key runs that give The Stranglers their unique sound, and a choice of 42 hits, and a great night was always on the cards. It was no surprise that the packed venue resonated with familiar tunes, and whether it was (Get A) Grip (On Yourself), Peaches, Skin Deep or Golden Brown, every number was received with warmth. The slower songs see Baz Warne come into his own. With spot-on vocals and expert lead guitar on Always The Sun and evocative Strange Little Girl, you’d be forgiven for thinking he’d always been part of the set-up. As always, Walk On By stood out and the band encored with classics: Nuclear Device, Burnel’s menacing Something Better Change and No More Heroes.