OMD- Camden Roundhouse 03/05/2013

'English Electric'- the twelth studio album from OMD and two of the words that would most readily come to me to describe them- despite the pioneering, teutonic 'Kraftwerk' being OMD's earliest point of reference. They developed the sound beyond the avant-garde and experimental to create their own new-wave synth-pop, honing it to produce the unmistakeable body of work that fans fill the Roundhouse out to hear this evening.

First 'EE' single 'Metroland' is the opener, sounding grand and aspirational but lyrically it gently decries the idea of living in a utopia. Being 27, my introduction to the band came through my Dad's love for them and while it took a few years for the more esoteric tracks to be appreciated, I was always a fan of the more accessible matertial of the OMD catalogue. So I was well served with a setlist that included 'Messages', 'Tesla Girls' and to my particular joy, 'Forever Live And Die' and 'If You Leave' early on in proceedings. Paul Humphreys steps out to take centre stage for an earnest and joyous vocal on the former to rapturous delight. 'So In Love', 'Souvenir', 'Locomotion', 'Talking Loud And Clear' follow and it's credit to the band that there's no element of 'nostalgia show', they sound fresh and vital and stand on their own merits.

Such is the reputation Andy McCluskey's dancing has generated, he could be his own support act- the whirling dervish that is part 'Flashdance', part 'Riverdance', part 'Lee Mack's older brother, tipsy at a wedding disco' is present throughout but never more effective than during 'Maid Of Orleans'. Strobe lighting adds to the drama of the performance as he thrashes away to Malcolm Holmes's drums.

What seems a sparse stage set- a few strips of material hanging down/two stripey pillars matching the album artwork is transformed by some fantastic lighting work, genius in its simplicity. The strips of flag bringing to mind at times semaphore, or heraldic banners. The pillars pulse in neon red, blue, green. With Andy flanked by the twin totems of Martin Cooper and Paul Humphreys, it provides a striking stage presence that the band easily live up to musically. This being their second album and tour since returning in 2007 after a break of 10 years, it's a polished, well-rehersed and pitch perfect show. The new songs fit well alongside the OMD standards, Andy remarking that with six played from 'English Electric' and two from preceeding album 'History Of Modern' that it's impressive the whole crowd has remained to the end. (His stage-banter seems to have progressed to new heights during this evening too, since I saw them last at Hammersmith Apollo in 2010!). 'Our System' is introduced with the dry announcement that Voyager 1 is leaving our solar system, this is what it sounds like, and 'this is what we write songs about'. 'Night Café' and 'Dresden' are textbook OMD and can only grow on a listener with further exposure.

The last three tracks are 'Enola Gay', 'Walking On The Milky Way', and 'Electricity'. No less welcome for their inevitability and a powerful trio to end on, all can feel very satisfied with an impressive gig.