Live Review: Living Colour, Massive

Massive may sound like they should be a collective for dance music from the UK, but no, they are instead a four-piece from Melbourne that actually rock pretty damn hard. Lead singer and guitarist Brad Marr may look like a stumpy Vince Neil, but he rocks out at the front of the band with exceptional vocal ability. They encourage merch purchases to allow them to buy petrol to the next gig and then blast out some well-constructed rock from their new album, Destination Somewhere, including highlight, Blood Money Blues.

When looking back at bands of the '80s and '90s, you would be hard-pressed to find many that remain relevant in a cynical and fast-paced 2017. Living Colour have not only remained remarkably relevant, but their music is as scathing as it was when first released. This is evident in their second track, Wall: "This is how our world breaks down... The wall between us all must fall."

Lead singer Corey Glover sings with a ferocity and passion that emanates throughout the band and into the crowd as they deliver the power of Pride. "It's time for a change/Concepts rearrange/Can't you feel my rage". Their strong cultural and political stance is on show again with their remake of the Notorious BIG track, Who Shot Ya?, which they announce will be on their new album Shade, due for release 8 September. They also give us Who's That, another new cut with a bluesy edge.

There is arguably no band in the world that can boast the musicianship of Living Colour. Will Calhoun on drums is as technical and precise a drummer as you will ever hear. Doug Wimbish is explosive on bass, delving into a sound rarely replicated, and Vernon Reid's fingers are like lightning on his guitar, playing feverish solos that are beyond comprehension. An almost ten-minute solo from Wimbish is a masterclass and Calhoun's drum solo with glowing drumsticks is mesmerising.

The dynamic of the band on stage is as seamless as it is humorous. Reid and Glover exchange playful ribbings. Wimbish acts as the mediator in a group that clearly enjoy playing together, even after 30 years. Reid addresses the audience as a precursor to their biggest song; we all know who he's talking about. "He's out of his mind. The man is nuts. We never would have thought this song would still be so relevant." Cult Of Personality remains a perfect piece of political commentary and musicianship and the sold-out Metro crowd scream out the chorus.

This review should have had a disclaimer. There is no subjectivity when it comes to Living Colour and this reviewer is an unabashed fan, but it's wholly and solely based on a group that maintains their ethical beliefs and continues to play live around the world with gusto.

"What's Your Favourite Colour?" We scream the answer is "Living" of course. They finish with their 'theme song', combined with Should I Stay Or Should I Go. We wish they wouldn't. Here's hoping they don't wait another three years to return.