This summer saw the third year of Wider Than Pictures – Singular Artists‘ run of outdoor shows that take place at Collins Barracks in Dublin. The first headline act to be announced to play at the former military barracks were iconic post punk visionaries, THE THE. We were lucky to catch the show, which marked the band’s first visit to Dublin since their hugely successful The Comeback Special world tour in 2018.
The band kicked off the set with ‘Cognitive Dissident’ from their forthcoming album, Ensoulment. Featuring brooding riffs from Barrie Cadagon and gritty bass lines from James Eller, the track not only heightened anticipation for the album but also offered a glimpse into what will be their first album since 2000. The band then took us back to 1986 with a powerful performance of ‘Infected’, evoking the era’s vibrant energy. Maintaining the high energy, ‘Armageddon Days Are Here (Again)’ followed, leading into ‘The Sinking Feeling’. The track impressed with its irresistible groove, creating a striking contrast to its lyrical content, which explores themes of existential angst and disillusionment.
One of the defining protest songs of the 1980s, the prophetic ‘Heartland’ elicited a rapturous response from the crowd. As Barrie switched to his acoustic guitar, the band launched into ‘The Whisperers’, a poignant song about holding onto life that highlighted the enduring strength of Matt’s vocals even after all these years. The tempo was then momentarily slowed by ‘Love Is Stronger Than Death’, which resonated with its profound emotional depth. The band seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves, with Matt especially cheerful as he chatted between songs. Commenting on the blustery weather, he introduced ‘August and September’ – which made its live debut on this tour – with a playful remark that it should be renamed ‘October and November’.
Next up were two tracks that everybody was familiar with – ‘Slow Emotion Replay’, and ‘This Is the Day’. Laced with harmonica and featuring jangly guitar originally provided by Johnny Marr – expertly replicated by Barrie – the former showcases some of Matt’s finest lyrics; “everybody knows what’s going on with the world, I don’t even know what’s going on in myself”. Jokingly introduced by Matt as a track that fewer people might recognise, the latter stands as one of the band’s most radio-friendly singles. Its upbeat melody is complemented by an unusual accordion piano sound from DC Collard, adding a unique charm to the track that perfectly captures the adolescent feeling of entrapment and the longing for life to truly begin.
Great care had clearly been taken to ensure the band revisited every era of their career, and ‘Icing Up’ delivered a particularly nostalgic moment. Originally recorded for Matt’s solo studio album, Burning Blue Soul, in 1981, the track was later reissued and credited to THE THE. ‘Dogs of Lust’ followed, with Matt’s voice remaining as compelling as ever, with its rich, resonant tone. Driven by James’ commanding bass and an explosive blend of instrumentation, the track emerged as one of the standout moments of the set. Sadly as relevant today as it was in 1986, the visceral ‘Sweet Bird of Truth’ impressed, before the set came to an end with a rousing mass sing-along to ‘Lonely Planet’.
The encore began with the eerie and captivating ‘Linoleum Smooth to the Stockinged Foot’, a standout from the new album that highlights Matt’s exceptional songwriting. The track’s unique arrangement, featuring discordant horns and Barrie playing his guitar with a violin bow, added to its intrigue. Following what Matt called “the most uncommercial single ever”, the band transitioned into what’s arguably their most iconic song, ‘Uncertain Smile.’ Combining Matt’s somber lead vocals with lively music, the track features an extended keyboard solo from DC Collard, during which Matt and James stood side by side, watching in awe. The set concluded with ‘Giant’, which was propelled by an irresistible bass-line from James, and a powerful drum solo by Earl Harvin. Not only a perfect conclusion to the band’s Soul Mining album, ‘Giant’ was also a fitting end to their triumphant performance in Dublin.
