Last week, Public Service Broadcasting performed at the lush venue, Teatro Parioli in Rome. The gorgeous venue was kitted out with decadent sofas surrounding the dance area and we were given au d’ouefs on arrival. It was all very glamorous, but after we watched the support band from our sofa, we became concerned that we were too comfortable to feel the buzz.
This all changed when Public Service Broadcasting came on stage. Everybody in the room jumped up from their seats and ran over to the standing area. Behind the band, was a giant projected screen, depicting the historical events the band write songs about. The atmosphere was electric and as it often does with Public Service Broadcasting, it felt like we were watching not just a band, but an innovative performance.
The music was that the band have gotten a lot tighter. The set felt less about the gimmicks and more focused on creating genuinely great music that you can’t resist dancing too. They played a few songs from their 2017 album Every Valley, a couple of new songs and plenty from their most popular album, The Race for Space. There is nothing more charming than watching a group of talented, smiling musicians perform songs about how cool they think it is that we made it to space.
Another element that stood out was the energy of the performance. It is clear that the band is genuinely happy to be there, playing their music. Guitarist J. Willgoose, Esq. bounces around the stage, throwing delighted glances at his bandmates as if to say: “Guys, how cool is it that we are playing in Rome!”
Standout songs were “Spitfire”, which is a fan favorite and “Go!” which the audience went wild for. After their last song, the audience screamed for them to come back and they gifted us with three encores. The first of the three was a heavier and rockier song which we were not familiar with. They proceeded to play “Gargarin” and finally bought out their pet astronaut. As he jumped around the stage like a hyped up kid on Christmas, it was impossible not to smile with them.
Overall, Public Service Broadcasting played a fantastic gig last night in Rome which not only showcased their continual development as artists but proved once again that above all, this is a band that is fun.
5/5
