Photo Gallery

Throbbing Gristle, Emeralds @ Masonic Temple, Brooklyn (Photos)

2:44 p.m. · April 29th 2009 · by Tim Bugbee

Photo gallery of Throbbing Gristle, Emeralds at Masonic Temple in Brooklyn (April 28, 2009).

Infamously labeled as 'wreckers of civilisation' by Parliament member Nicholas Fairbairn, could three and a half decades of elapsed time still prove that the four sonic terrorists/social provocateurs of Throbbing Gristle had what it takes to push the right buttons?  Though at not the same level of shock and awe from their envelope-ripping heyday, the third and final NYC show still managed to be a highly entertaining evening, as dense, booming sub-tones fought with crackling electronics and grisly images courtesy of Genesis P-Orridge's lyrical darkness.  The 'Gristleizer' effects box was put to good use, stunted slide guitar notes were jabbed into existence, and Genesis madly sawed on an electric violin for a portion like a crazed Carol Channing cum Nero.  From the opening notes of "Very Friendly" to the electro-onanistic b-side "Something Came Over Me" (no "Five Knuckle Shuffle" but this was the next best thing) to the closing, claustrophobic pounding of "Discipline," the grizzled veterans did not tarnish their vaunted legacy.  Openers Emeralds played the ambient noise card mixed in with some Tangerine Dream soundscapes, but couldn't hold the attention of the crowd.