WITH Mike Skinner in more reflective, even philosophical mood on the current Streets album, Everything Is Borrowed, would the usual beer-spattered, lairy party atmosphere of his gigs be replaced by a mood of sober contemplation and collective chin-st
roking?
As Skinner and band battled a muffled sound mix to deliver the none-too-subtle rallying cry of Could Well Be In, we had our answer: the vote was for partying, not pondering. Let's raise a pint to that. In fact, let's chuck it indiscriminately in the air and not think about the consequences…
If Skinner ever wants to highlight his more refined side in a gig environment, then he has an uphill struggle. He is already established in the eyes of his fans as their besht mate, so a night out in his company is all about good-natured revelry, a bit of lad talk and a kebab on the way home.
In order to keep his drinking buddies occupied over the course of the evening, he has devised some party games, bidding the entire audience to crouch on the floor, or to freeze in a silly pose. Inspired by the theme of the new album's title track, he chose to "borrow" a golden horse ornament brought along by a fan, who was then "borrowed" himself for the next gig in Manchester, creating an instant entourage.
For his final stunt, Skinner clambered down among his public, flouting all health-and-safety regulations with a run through the audience and then a crowd-surf back to the stage.
At times, the music seemed like background filler, with the soulful likes of Has It Come To This? and Weak Become Heroes suffering in an environment where terrace chants and rousing singalongs (including a burst of Glasvegas's Daddy's Gone) flourished.
The full article contains 304 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
