The Correspondents, Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, 8.11.2013
On 8th November, stepping across the threshold of the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club became a step back into a swingier time – when the women were flapper-dressed and the men were slick-haired, suited and brogued. The venue is decked out to match, complete with a kaleidoscopic, monochrome backdrop. This is the wacky world of The Correspondents.
Having built up an unrivalled reputation on the live scene over the past four years, playing some of the UK’s biggest venues and twice being included on the Telegraph’s top ten highlights list from Glastonbury, it seems remarkable that the group have yet to release an album. But tonight’s gig comes as front-man Mr. Bruce and MC Chuckles prepare to release the first single from their debut LP. The track, ‘Fear and Delight’, is one that has done the rounds and proved its popularity on stage through the duo’s relentless touring but only now has it been treated to an official release – complete with a stunning yet mind-boggling video, courtesy of film-maker Naren Wilks.
Here’s The Correspondents’ ‘Fear And Delight’ promotional:
The ‘Puppet Loosely Strung’ album is set for release in the new year and it will make for an interesting listen, as it seems difficult to imagine how The Correspondents’ music, which sounds so energetic and has such an effect when heard live, will translate into a sit-and-listen experience. However, tonight, that is not important. As the unusual warm-up act draws to a close (a Russian accordion player putting his own squeeze-box spin on such classics as ABBA’s ‘Dancing Queen’), anticipation for The Correspondents’ much lauded live performance hits the roof. When Mr. Bruce takes the stage, long limbed and as exquisitely dressed as ever, the crowd are well and truly ready to be entertained.
With well-rehearsed and much-loved hits up their sleeves, including ‘Washington Square’ and ‘What’s Happened to Soho?’, the group begin with a bang and Mr. Bruce – who moonlights as a visual artist – gets to show off his trademark, outrageous choreography which is matched completely by the immersed audience. There is a touch of magic to the duo’s performance, as they move from genre to genre – from electro to swing to drum and bass – they seem imbued with an effortless ability to whip the crowd into a frenzy.
Some of the songs played tonight lack the infectious energy of the early singles, but ‘Fear and Delight’ has all the makings of a hit and well and truly whets the appetite for The Correspondents’ upcoming LP. As the high-octane night comes to a close (and as you step back into the modern day) you get the sense that you have witnessed masters of the live craft and any chance to see them perform cannot be missed. 8.9/10
Tom Claydon