WIRE at NEUMO'S

Early in the concert.

[1] "Blogging" • Wire
[2] "Joust & Jostle" • Wire
[3] "Silk Skin Paws" • A Bell Is a Cup Until It Is Struck
[4] "Boiling Boy" • A Bell Is a Cup Until It Is Struck
[5] "Mekon Headman" • Object 47

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Graham Lewis and Colin Newman both on the mic.

[6] "Burning Bridges" • Wire
[7] "High" • Wire
[8] "In Manchester" • Wire
[9] "Sleep-walking" • Wire
[10] "Shifting" • Wire

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Playing "Stealth of a Stork. The bass and guitar attack rattles the camera!

[11] "Stealth of a Stork" • Change Becomes Us
[12] "Split Your Ends" • Wire
[13] "Octopus" • Wire
[14] "Blessed State" • 154
[15] "Swallow" • Wire

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Playing "Harpooned."

[16] "Harpooned" • Wire
encore
[17] "Brazil" • Pink Flag
[18] "Adore Your Island" • Change Becomes Us
[19] "Used To" • Chairs Missing

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Wednesday 27 May 2015. Wire at Neumo's of Seattle. 1 hour, 35 minutes of pure art-punk sonic assault. Founding members Colin Newman (vocals, rhythm guitar); Graham Lewis (bass, vocals); and Robert Grey (drums) were joined on stage by new lead guitarist Matthew Simms.

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Having seen Wire in concert twice before, in May 2000 and September 2002, both at the Showbox, and both with original lead guitarist Bruce Gilbert, I was really intrigued for what the band would bring to this venue. First, they owned the room. Second, I was glad I brought earplugs with me. I needed them on quite a few of the songs to help limit the blast my ears took. Third, Matthew Simms is a completely different guitarist from Bruce Gilbert, even though he can get similar sounds out of his instrument. Bruce was insular and tended to turn away from the crowd and almost meditate on his guitar. Matthew faced the audience, was almost manic at times, and occasionally "threw" his guitar around to achieve some of the dissonant whale song and squall that the songs required. It was beautiful to watch.

On top of that, Robert, Graham, and Colin were in the finest form that I've seen them. They were loose and focused, confident and carefree, and they played with fervor and abandon. Robert is a human metronome; he kept the beat and kept the band together as they ran over the crowd. Colin obviously enjoys his role as lead vocalist; he is the showman of the group. Graham revels in the songs he gets to sing lead vocals on; and "Mekon Headman" and "Blessed State" made that clear.

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Since Matthew Simms is now a full-fledged member of the group, and Wire's fourteenth studio album (the eponymously-named Wire) sees him included in the songwriting rather than as touring guitarist or hired hand, it made sense that the show was heavily weighted toward the new album. I was surprised that they played the entire album, however. It was a pleasant surprise.

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The other surprise was when they started in with "Silk Skin Paws." Many of the twenty-somethings, who had been bobbing their heads along to the Wire material, seemed unfamiliar with it and fellow A Bell Is a Cup track "Boiling Boy," which were staples of my early twenties.

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All in all, it was a wonderful evening with my all-time favorite band. I almost didn't go. I am really glad that I did.