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Therapy? : Birmingham Academy, 14th May 2003

REVIEW

Monday 19th May 2003


After being away from the limelight for the last few years, Therapy? have returned with a new tour to promote their latest critically acclaimed album 'High Anxiety'.



Throughout their lengthy career, they've encountered every high and every low. Some of these lows include being dropped by their record company, band members leaving, and terrible press coverage, just one of these alone would be enough to cause most bands to split up. During their period of career lows, one thing remained constant - their outstanding live performances.

Once inside Birmingham Academy, it was easy to see that even though Therapy? might not be selling millions of records any more, but they still sell bucket loads of tickets, and the lack of space in the academy demonstrated this fact.



As soon they strolled onto the stage bathed in a devilish red light, the audience gave out a volcanic round of applause. Andy Cairns with his traditional short black hair and George Michael style beard looked awfully demonic in that light, which was shining on the band. He pulverised his guitar to start the intro to 'Hey Satan You Rock'. The second song was a new track from 'High Anxiety' entitled 'Who Knows', and judging by the roar of approval from the audience, I'd say that it went down well!

Therapy? then belted out 'Nowhere' from their 'Troublegum' album, this instantly caused a tidal wave of headbanging, lets be honest, it is impossible not to headbang to such a classic track.



Their setlist included songs from their entire career, but it is still the material from 'Troublegum' which always gets the best reaction from the crowd. 'Die Laughing' is so infectious that despite it being nearly ten years old, it still buries itself deep within your brain and just keeps going round and round especially the chorus line 'I think I've gone insane, I can't remember my own name'. Let's be honest - this is one song you never get sick of hearing.

Over the years Therapy? have mastered the art of playing live and they know how to organise a set list so that there's never a dull moment. Hopefully Therapy? will be back playing arenas and stadiums in the near future, just like in their early years.



Their live show is simply amazing. Their albums might be criticised by the press, but you should only judge a band by their live performance and these are definately mind blowing.

Hey Therapy? You rock!

review by Luke Seagrave
photos by Luke Seagrave