China Crisis / Rescue Rooms / Nottingham
Seems so so long ago doesn’t it, proper indoor live music at fantastic local venues ? It’s 17 months since we last saw shows. In the last week before lockdown hit, we covered shows by Marisa and the Moths, Mondo Generator, Exodus, Death Angel, The Rifles and Stuart Landon and were excited for the future and some incredible shows in 2020. Then boom ! Locked down and our world fell apart. The immediate and worst impact has of course, been on the people in this wonderful industry. We’ve seen jobs lost and venues close and the mental health impact on the industry cannot be underplayed. The shocking lack of support for an industry providing so much both financially the nation, but culturally too.
But, we are slowly getting through the Pandemic and starting to return to normal, and while we remember all those friends and family we’ve lost to Covid-19, we’re also looking forward to the future and to some normality – Getting out to live shows, enjoying what we love the most – Live music.
This was our first live show back at Nottingham’s wonderful Rescue Rooms and what a great show it was to start again with, as 80’s synth pop legends China Crisis came to town last Friday.
Formed by Gary Daly and Eddie Lundon, and releasing their debut single “African and White” in 1981
on independent label ‘Inevitable’. By March 1982 they had recorded a four-track session for John Peel. The band were signed to Virgin Records and recorded their debut album “Difficult Shapes & Passive Rhythms, Some People Think It's Fun to Entertain”, which was released in December 1982 and reached 21 in the UK charts.
This was followed up by “Working with Fire and Steel”, which was released in November 1983 reaching number 20 in the UK Charts. The band reached their highest commercial success with the release of their third album “Flaunt the Imperfection” which was released in 1985 and reached #9. Best known for the hit singles “Black Man Ray” and “King in a Catholic Style” which reached #14 and 19 respectfully in the charts.
1986’s “What Price Paradise” only reached #63 and production slowed down, with three more studio albums in the following years culminating in 2015’s “Autumn in the Neighbourhood”.
China Crisis were one of the synth pop bands in the early 80’s that shaped my early years of music alongside bands such as Human League, Ultravox, Blancmange, Depeche Mode etc and it was great to finally see them live. The setlist covered all their greatest hits such as “Black Man Ray”, “King in a Catholic Style”, “Christian” and “Wishful Thinking” one of my personal favourite China Crisis tracks. The tracks came from across their discography and included debut single “African and White” which still sounds fantastic today. Musically the band were spot on (Wishful Thinking was exceptional), with crisp clear synth tones, matched with Eddie’s effortless and stylish guitar playing so well. The performance really stood out for me in two ways. Firstly Gary’s clear easy relaxed nature with the fans and his story telling, which made the whole show feel so much more of an interactive performance and intimate, like they knew you all. China Crisis have a dedicated and loyal fanbase to this day, and its always so great to see artists take to the stage, recognising audience members and interacting in such a personal way. And secondly the obvious emotion and enjoyment they get from their craft. It was wonderful to watch Eddie almost drift away, eyes closed as he played, enjoying every note and tone lost in the music, as I was too at times. There’s something relaxing and soothing about China Crisis. Often delicate and light, the music lifts you and carries you with it.
Finally a great night came to a close and the show ended with a wonderful rendition of the delightful “Here Comes a Raincloud” before the band mingled with their fans to chat and have photos.
Even after so many years, China Crisis remain a great band to see live and I recommend seeing them if you can, either for that 80’s nostalgia fix, or because they are quite simply very very good !
Set-List:
Arizona Sky
It's Never Too Late
Seven Sports for All
Some People I Know to Lead Fantastic Lives
Feel to Be Driven Away
Temptation’s Big Blue Eyes
Bigger the Punch I'm Feeling
Fool
The Soul Awakening
Strength of Character
Best Kept Secret
Black Man Ray
Wishful Thinking
King in a Catholic Style (Wake Up)
Christian
African and White
Here Comes a Raincloud
I also have to give huge credit to DHP and the Rescue Rooms for a fantastic night. Once or twice I looked around a busy concert venue and felt somehow anxious. It’s almost like we’ve been programmed or conditioned to feel strange in a crowded indoor space. But these moments were personal and fleeting and the happy, smiling, excited faces of the audience soon made me realise just how great it was to be back out again !I have to say the organisation was excellent and the staff welcoming and friendly throughout. The venue had a fantastic atmosphere and a great night was had by all, and I just can’t wait to get back there again soon for the next one !
