At £27.50 this was an expensive ticket for a Junction show (venue was around two thirds full) but, having never seen Gary Numan live, this show was too close to my doorstep to turn down.
Roman Remains are support on tonight's bill. Made up of two thirds of The Duke Spirit, Toby Butler and Leila Moss, this side project from the mothership, seems to have turned into a full time job with the debut album, 'Zeal' already released.
The Band made up a trio with an added drummer, delivered a lengthy 'Horrors' like, darkness and dry ice set. All established musicians this should be an interesting project, they certainly made an impact on the night.
Being around in the 70's I go back a long way with Garry Numan's music and as an admirer of NIN (Nine Inch Nails) I was impressed when Trent Reznor bought Gary onstage at an O2 show a few years back. NIN definitely have Gary Numan as an influence and you can see that influence flowing back from Trent Reznor to Gary on his latest work, particularly last year's album 'Splinter' (Songs from a Broken Mind)' which features NIN's Robin Finck on guitar.
As soon as the band hit the stage to the almighty opening riffs of 'Resurrection' from 'Dead Son Rising' you can see where 75% of the ticket price has gone; the light show! Big enough and bright enough for Wembley Arena, the effect is mind numbing within the confines of the Cambridge Junction.
'Splinter is an outstanding record and the songs feature heavily in the set. The first 45 minutes which were a fabulous assault on the senses, with the band in intense and heavy mode (as they are throughout). The sound is spot on and Numan is centre stage, a Peter Pan figure (the guy is ageing well), hanging off the mic and moving around the stage like a man many years his junior.
A set stretching across his massive catalogue brings out Down in the Park, Cars and Are 'Friends' Electric? 'Absolution from 2008's 'Exile' album is stunning in its delivery, but, really it is the new 'Splinter' era Numan that remains the most impressive.
This guy has reinvented himself many times but it is testament to his abilities that songs from the 70's and songs from 2013 sound equally as fresh and impressive next to each other.
Pete
