Collectively known as Caught on Tape, Moloney & Moore served up six dates throughout a chilly week in Ireland, specifically: Galway, Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Clonakilty and Belfast respectively. The duo previously recorded one live album under this guise, and it continues to represent the form with which their often experimental gigs take. And that was what was offered here; a supposed night of free-flowing musical sounds, as improvised as our hosts felt necessary. While that may be unpalatable for some, as a long-time Sonic Youth
fan, it was certainly right up my street. What ended up occurring though, was markedly different and exhilarating.
Following local outfit Comply or Die’s set, the audience waited with baited breath for this rare opportunity to see the eclectic Florida-born singer do his thing on a small, intimate stage. When I say “they strolled in”, they really did too. Just as we took up a spot to the side of the rather impressive Kitten stage, adjacent to the merchandise stand, Thurston plopped himself beside us, in unassuming style. Suitability low key, he proceeded to hand deliver a hundred fanzines produced specifically for the night, took a few moments to sign & number them, before leaping onto the stage to tower above us even more (Thurston is an extremely tall man). For the most part, he was respectfully left alone to meander around the place, until he picked up a microphone and began what can only be described as “story time”. Thurston engaged the crowd with genuinely charming wit, revealing his love for Irish poetry and detailing their experiences as they plundered the country with their wildly different sets. It almost seemed as if Thurston was having far too much a good time to bother with such trivial matters as music!
event’s fanzine. Launching into his back catalogue, with the trademark freedom and explorative jostling associated with Sonic Youth, the set was surprisingly focused, spliced with a rather tasty dose of extended notes and improvised moments peppering the night, but by no means dominating proceedings. 1995’s Moore solo album, “Psychic Hearts” provided much of the material, and was warmly received. A brilliant rendition of that album’s signature track was delivered with gusto to end the night, and a little more edge and grit than even the album incarnation. Equally of interest was “Pretty Bad”, which saw Thurston hissing and snarling his way through the track like the most floppy-haired of predatory she-beasts. Elsewhere, Chelsea Light Moving debut “Burroughs”, provided a memorable, raucous highlight. It’s certainly a song that announces the upcoming album in spectacular style.
Personally, this was one of the best gigs of this scale I’ve ever attended, as Thurston unveiled a warmth and knowing humour that rubbished his image being that of an aloof, difficult “artist”. On this night, he couldn’t have been further from the cliché. Moloney is also a fierce talent worth keeping an eye out for. While what was promised may have appeared to be a tricky (for some) session of improv and sounds, instead we were treated to a classic but digestible taste of it, coupled with some of the most rhythmic tunes that Moore has ever conjured up. The show was all the better for it.
As always, there was the promise of a return, and while this unique partnership may not visit Belfast together again, they certainly left a mark (stain?), and Moore himself, will surely manifest in some fashion oranother. I suggest when he does, you do whatever is necessary to be there.
What Daniel Bryan look-a-like wrote this?
Michael is from Belfast, N.I, and is dreading his impending 30th Birthday. He writes for FSM- Fighting Spirit Magazine, the UK's leading Pro Wrestling publication, and is currently growing a beard of great girth. His interests include wrestling (obviously), all things cinematic (with a disturbing leaning towards Horror), being tattooed, eating nice things, and sampling various beers of the world. He wonders if people will even read this bit...