Live Review: Living Colour, Ragdoll, Fyre Byrd

It’s hard to believe that Fyre Byrd only formed last year. Their music is soaking in rousing hooks with a bratty rock edging which easily turned the room’s attention. However, it’s their stage energy which truly sold their spot; the pair lit up the performance at every turn, casting a reckless aggressive style and attitude. Few bands can take the ‘unknown opener’ slot and turn up the room as they did, and usually, the ones who do are fast-tracking their way to headline shows and festival spots. Fyre Byrd have proved they're on that same path.

Following on from there, Ragdoll emerge to yet another strong following amongst the audience, and instantly go about sending the stage into shakes with the booming riff of Tell Me. The local trio make every effort to ignite the performance and to admirably squeeze every song they can into their short set. The fist-pumping guitar anthems of Playing God, Save Me and Break You not only spread smiles amongst the fans but clearly echo the band's strengths and why they remain a consistently enjoyed live circuit fixture.

For some, Living Color may just be that band who had a great album in the late '80s, but for anyone who’s witnessed them live, they know just how much more there is to take in. From the moment they step onto the stage, the band instantly brought a wild energy that’s every part Harlem's Apollo Theatre as it is Bowery's CBGB. Consummate performers, it feels as though every song is a dynamic showcase for each player. From the wild licks of Vernon Reid or jaw-dropping style and changeups between Will Calhoun and Doug Wimbish to the charismatic presence and vocal soars of Corey Glover. 

There’s so much to take in with their performance that it’s easy to slip away from a set that’s stacked with the likes of the soaring guitars of Come On, the funky swagger of Ignorance Is Bliss or the social commentary and ode to NYC in Open Letter (To A Landlord). While the band closed out with their rousing cover of the Soundgarden hit Blow Up The Outside World, the impact and buzz they left as fans made their way to the theatre lobby serves as a poignant reminder as to how criminally underrated Living Color are, even after so many years.