TILBURG 2007 REVIEWS |
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www.reflectionsofdarkness.com January 2008 The Human League you say, isn't that the band that made that one particular hit 'Don't you want me baby'? Yes of course they are, but they should be given way more credit than just that. Tonight at the 013's main hall they would perform an integral version of their 1981 Dare! album and after that they would sure play some more hits for the very diverse audience, mainly people in their 30's and 40's, those who may have been among the early adaptors of the electro music...
...If you need an introduction to this band you are probably too young or you have just arrived at this page by unfortunate accident. After all their hit single 'Don't you want me baby' was a great worldwide hit and is still being played on the radio these days. Being the last song on the Dare! album the audience was sure they'd play the song during their revisit of their highly acclaimed 1981 album. Music & Performance
Talking about the singing, it
seems like time has been very kind to the voices of each of them. Philip
hardly ever has any problems hitting the high notes and both ladies sound
more mature and solid then on the albums from the 80's. With electro it's
always hard to figure out if everything is played live, but with The Human
league there is no doubt about that really. The music sounds richer than on
the albums and apart from some bits and pieces arranged by David the music
is played live and full of passion. With both Nic and Neil using a keytar to
run around at times, and Nic showing off his stylish guitar all of the band
do their best to get close to the audience and give them a show that really
lasts in their memories. When after a range of emotions the Dare! album is
finally concluded by 'Don't You Want Me Baby' the audience almost ashamed
gives in to showing appreciation for this song that you couldn't really
approve of for a long time. But with all those fellow believers in the music
of The Human League the audience lets go of their restraints and enjoys the
rest of the show with the critical 'Lebanon' and the beautiful and emotional
'Human'. During the concert the singers change clothes, daring outfits for the ladies, and cool outfits for Philips who shows that aging doesn't have to mean you will be less cool. With his characteristic wobbling behind the mic he is a true front man, in control and very aware of what people expect. Of course the band has to return for an encore and of course their first single 'Being Boiled' had to be played and they ended the concert with yet another reference to dreams: 'Together in Electric Dreams'. The Human League have been around for years and have proven that a 26 year old album is still as great as it was when they released it. Let's just hope they will return so everybody who had any doubts before to go to the concert can make up for a missed opportunity for a clear dream.
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