Future Of The Left

If much of ATP vs the Fans has been underwhelming, then Jesus Lizard certainly raised the bar last night — and Future of the Left are here to raze the holiday camp to the ground.

Bassist Kelson Mathias is quick to establish that the band aren't from these parts, taking the piss out of the assembled crowd 'with your beards and your flannel shirts.' Andy Falkous reserves his derision for a reveller in a rainbow hooded-top, and the 15 people who asked him on the way in 'what's it like to work with Steve Albini?' If the band were somewhat overshadowed by the spectre of Mclusky on their last outing, then 'Travels With Myself and Another' is a righteous exorcism, and live they sound like a legion of devils being cast out of swine. Future of the Left are now more sinewy and terrifying than Mclusky ever were, and their caustic between song banter more deliciously scornful. They brim with vigour, and possibly steroids, and if there's any justice in the world Falkous won't have to 'go back to work at the call centre.'

JA