There were moments when, to be honest, I thought I might get sick.
This always happens — every time I see My Bloody Valentine in concert. Yet, I keep coming back for more from what is arguably the loudest band on the planet.
Why? The simple answer is that there’s nothing else like this Irish alt-rock band, which makes going to see such hard-rock champs as AC/DC and Iron Maiden seem like a chamber music recitals in comparison.
Loudest band in the biz @TheOfficialMBV … So staff is wisely handing out earplugs to people walking into @foxoakland pic.twitter.com/BpcbkcJTCU
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) July 20, 2018
The quartet — consisting of vocalist-guitarist-songwriter Kevin Shields, drummer Colm O Ciosoig, vocalist-guitarist Bilinda Butcher and bassist-keyboardist Debbie Googe — delivers a high-decibel barrage like no other, testing the very will and fortitude of fans in ways that are both physically and emotionally straining.
Of course, most people were wearing earplugs on July 19, as the band brought its first tour in five years to the Fox Theater in Oakland for a two-night stand. And I have a hard time believing that those who chose to forgo the earplugs — which were being handed out by staff members as patrons walked into the venue — aren’t regretting that decision today.
It's @TheOfficialMBV time pic.twitter.com/LwLlQmDS43
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) July 20, 2018
But, really, earplugs weren’t enough. Indeed, my earplugs needed earplugs. And they only helped protected my ears. They didn’t stop the sound from rattling my bones and pulverizing my internal organs in ways that made me wonder how much more I could physically handle.
Yet, that’s part of the rush of going to see My Bloody Valentine. It’s the sonic equivalent of a really great roller coaster ride or, perhaps, sky-diving/bungee-jumping. It wouldn’t be nearly as satisfying, in the end, if there wasn’t some discomfort and uncertainty to be experienced along the way. The lingering feeling of survival — that you “made it” through — is a key ingredient.
My earplugs need earplugs. @TheOfficialMBV pic.twitter.com/bSPiOXUJWn
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) July 20, 2018
Of course, it’s not all sport. There is method behind the madness for this band, which released its first full-length studio album — “Isn’t Anything” — in 1988. The high volume makes its possible to create My Bloody Valentine’s mesmerizing signature sound, characterized both by deep distortion and an immersive quality that blocks out everything else and makes each song feel like it’s own all-encompassing universe.
And, as bizarre as it sounds, it’s quite liberating to be a part of. As the group ramrodded its way through the 20-song set — which drew from all three of the groups studio albums as well as other material — I would occasionally scream out at the top of my lungs, usually carried along by the joy of hearing such exquisite music. And the people next to me couldn’t even hear my screams.
So good. @TheOfficialMBV pic.twitter.com/keYaW8lcmR
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) July 20, 2018
As expected, the sold-out two-hour show drew most strongly from “Loveless,” the 1991 masterpiece that is widely — and deservedly — considered one of the greatest albums of the last 30 years. It’s amazing to hear the band bring such intricate and complicated studio gems as “Only Shallow,” “To Here Knows When” and “Soon” to life on the live stage.
The band also performed a few tunes from its last album, 2013’s excellent “m b v,” as well as some exciting new material. Shields has said that there will be a new My Bloody Valentine release this year, but — if history has shown us anything — don’t hold your breath.
There were a few missteps, amplified when Shields stopped and then restarted the band onstage. Although the errors likely didn’t resonate with the crowd, Shields is a noted perfectionist who waited 22 years before issuing a follow-up to “Loveless” with “m b v.”
The highlight of the show, as always, was the famed closer — “You Made Me Realise” — which, amazingly, somehow managed to up the ante in terms of the pure sonic experience.
the terrorifying, amazing horror and beauty of "You Made Me Realise" pic.twitter.com/TDvFLAxTKp
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) July 20, 2018
It was eight-plus minutes of sheer, uncompromising noise, doubling as a kind of final exam for this evening-long test of stamina and endurance. It was an unflinching mix of horror and joy, served up by a band like no other.
There was no encore, because, really, where is there to go after “You Made Me Realise”?
Clearly, this kind of show, like the band that delivers it, is not for everyone. And that’s OK. You can have U2. For my money, My Bloody Valentine is the best Irish rock band of all time.
