SPIRITUALIZED // THEATRE ROYAL, GLASGOW
spiritualized celebrate 30 years of ‘pure phrase’ at glasgow’s theatre royal
★★★★★ (5/5)
Spiritualized’s 30th anniversary celebration of Pure Phase at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal was an evening of expansive sound, precise musicianship, and undeniable atmosphere. The grand venue, known for its crystal-clear acoustics, proved to be the perfect setting for a band whose music relies on sonic clarity and depth. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a transportive experience that enveloped the audience in layers of sound, colour, and emotion.
From the very first notes of “Medication,” the venue was flooded with a vast, almost tactile wall of music. A massive 13-piece ensemble graced the stage, including an outstanding horn section that injected warmth and vibrancy into the performance. The horns, with their sweeping brass and lush arrangements, added a dynamic energy that made the already sprawling sound even more immersive. Each section of the band seemed to complement the others, weaving a tapestry of textures that felt as if they were expanding outward, filling the space with sound and light.
At the heart of this sonic landscape were guitarist Doggen Foster and drummer Kevin Bales, whose interplay was flawless. Foster’s guitar work was intricate yet expansive, often building from delicate, shimmering tones into roaring waves of distortion. Meanwhile, Bales’ drumming was masterful—fluid yet solid, grounding the sprawling sound without ever overwhelming it. Together, they formed a rhythmic and melodic foundation that kept the music grounded while allowing the other musicians to soar.
Jason Pierce, the leader and primary songwriter behind Spiritualized, was in his element. His presence was understated, yet undeniably magnetic. Dressed simply, he led the band with a humble yet commanding focus. Pierce’s playing was understated but emotionally charged—his guitar phrasing elegant and deliberate, guiding the ensemble through each complex arrangement. His humility onstage spoke volumes, letting the power of the music do most of the talking. Despite being the band's central figure, Pierce was never flashy or self-indulgent, allowing the other musicians to shine in their moments.
The setlist was a thoughtful and well-paced journey through Pure Phase and beyond. “The Slide Song” shimmered with a cosmic quality, its quiet moments building into a majestic crescendo. “Electric Phase” was a highlight, its spiralling guitars and pulsing rhythms creating an almost hypnotic trance. “All of My Tears,” a poignant track from *Pure Phase*, resonated deeply, with its emotional depth amplified by the band’s swelling orchestration.
“Let It Flow” and “These Blues” provided a contrast to the more expansive tracks, with their stripped-back, bluesy feel cutting through the atmospheric layers. One of the most memorable moments came during their cover of Laurie Anderson’s “Born, Never Asked.” Spiritualized made it their own, stripping the track down to its essential elements and imbuing it with their characteristic, melancholic beauty.
The centrepiece of the night was the epic rendition of “Pure Phase.” As the song swelled and receded, the intensity built, transporting the audience to another realm. The music felt as though it were expanding beyond the confines of the venue, with the horns and strings elevating the track into something almost spiritual. The band’s mastery of dynamics, shifting seamlessly from delicate to thunderous, kept the crowd rapt in attention.
As the night neared its end, the atmosphere grew even more electric. “Spread Your Wings” and “Feel Like Goin’ Home” elicited a cathartic release from the crowd, while the final song, “Cop Shoot Cop..." with flashes of "Come Together,” brought the evening to a thrilling conclusion. The performance was a culmination of everything that had come before—an overwhelming burst of sound and emotion that left the audience cheering, clapping, and on their feet in appreciation.
The band stood in humble acknowledgment of the crowd’s praise, and it was clear that this was a show that had left a lasting impression. Spiritualized had not only performed Pure Phase in its entirety but had turned it into a living, breathing entity. The concert was a testament to the band's enduring ability to craft music that transcends the ordinary, and the Theatre Royal’s clear acoustics were the perfect vessel for it. As the final notes faded, it was evident that Spiritualized had delivered something extraordinary, and the audience was more than eager to show their gratitude.