What is about the Britpop idols of yore that makes them, 20 years later, wish to shed any effete qualities they might have exhibited? Far too many have embraced laddishness, unfortunate ‘70s haircuts, and even more standoffish attitudes. As Johnny Marr has proven in his solo work and his curious affiliation with Modest Mouse, it affects not only the artist’s outward appearance, but their musical output as well. Such is the case with Echo front man Ian McCulloch. His new material, along with his vocal cords, has lost the icy, honeyed glisten of Echo’s best-known work. As well, it would appear from his performance on this DVD that McCulloch is not willing to suffer any foolishness anymore. Sulking around the stage with a cigarette in hand, he looks like he would rather be anywhere else in the universe, regarding the audience only when absolutely necessary, and closing out the performance with the statement, “Thank you. You’ve just seen the best band of all time.” The young gents that McCulloch and guitarist Will Sergeant have assembled as new Bunnymen are hardly striving for infamy from the feel of this performance. Like far too many Britpop acts, the group seems a little too well-manicured and quite often produce nothing more than carbon copies of the band’s new songs as well as their best-known material. Add to it a fairly ridiculous interview with Sergeant and McCulloch and this DVD becomes something for completist fans and hardly a good introduction to the band’s storied career.
--Bob Ham
