Extended Play

I know it’s been awhile since I posted. I was crazed before and after the Projekt Revolution tour stop in Devore. Still playing catch-up.

After witnessing Erasure’s short, but stellar set at the Greek Theatre in June (during the True Colors Tour with Cyndi Lauper), I had to see whether they could up the ante on their own. So I headed to the Grove of Anaheim on July 21.

The British synth-pop duo was equally magical in a sold out, 90-minute show that covered their entire career. Singer Andy Bell took the stage in a silver lame top and camouflage pants, while keyboardist Vince Clarke wore a white wig and glasses that made him look like Andy Warhol. Rotating diamonds above the stage and on screens tied into the latest album’s artwork.

New tune “Sunday Girl” kicked off the set as Clarke’s attention grabbing synth sounds recalled Erasure’s “ABBA-esque” EP. It was followed by “Blue Savannah.” Three female backing vocalists injected plenty of soul in their ‘40s-syled box hats. The lush “Breathe” was a high point, as was “Chains of Love,” dispatched early in the set. At first, Bell sat on glittery blue stairs, then he got up and sashayed around the stage.

It was a party in the pit when “Love to Hate You” prompted fans to clap and point at strategic moments. The Hi-NRG pace of “Sucker For Love” gave way to a brief intermission and costume changes all around (Bell & Clarke in splattered paint outfits; the gals in day-glo bouffant wigs).

Clarke played acoustic guitar on a stripped down “A Little Respect.” From there, Erasure barely let up steam on strong versions of “Oh L’Amour,” “Ship of Fools,” “Chorus,” “Sometimes” and closer, “Stop!”

Go pick up Erasure’s latest “Light at the End of the World.” It’s one of their best in years.
Was anyone at that show? What do you think of the new CD?