The The at Brixton Academy

It’s 8.15pm when Matt Johnson and his band take to the stage for the first part of tonight’s concert. Instead of a support act, The The are playing their new album Ensoulmant in full, and it’s noticeably less busy than expected, making you wonder if everyone got the memo about tonight’s early start.

Ensoulment is a moody bluesy record with some jazzy influences thrown in here and there, and it tackles a lot of big modern themes, with Johnson singing about everything from online dating apps to authoritarianism. The radio favourite Some Days I Drink My Coffee by the Grave of William Blake plays well to the crowd, and Risin’ Above the Need is an uplifting high, getting a few members of the stone still audience moving. Overall, it’s a low-key set, which is perhaps to be expected when playing a brand-new album in full.

The second part of the night sees more gig-goers arrive, excited to hear the hits from the band’s seminal albums like Soul Mining and Infected. Singer and songwriter Johnson has been the only constant member of the group, and the long list of past members includes the influential Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, who recorded and performed with the group from 1988-94.

The band kicks off with Infected, much to the crowd’s satisfaction, and the atmosphere suddenly feels a lot more excitable. Later, Johnson explains how pleased he is to be back at Brixton Academy, reflecting on having played at the venue around seven times. Unfortunately, things fall short when it’s time to play the incredible This Is the Day. It’s no doubt a track that many will have been looking forward to hearing, but it’s performed in a slightly lacklustre tempo compared to the recorded version, and it’s hard not to feel disappointed by this. Maybe Johnson is probably a bit tired of playing it after 40 years.

In contrast, the brilliant Slow Emotion Replay and Dogs of Lust are brimming with energy, while Uncertain Smile never fails to impress with its mammoth piano solo. The The finish the second of their double set on GIANT, ending with its perfect lyrics of despairing soul searching: “How can anyone know me / When I don’t even know myself?”.

The The’s Ensoulmant Tour set has proven to be a slightly bumpy ride, although its peaks did well to make up for it.

Hannah Broughton
Photos: Miguel de Melo

For further information and future events visit The The’s website here.

Watch the video for the single This Is the Day here: