THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN

Sunset 666 (Fuzz Club)

Dark, impassioned Scottish alternative rockers The Jesus And Mary Chain have a reputation for intense, sometimes even riotous live shows, leaving audiences with their ears ringing for four decades. Whilst touring the USA in 1990, the JAMC chose a support act who were gaining a reputation for being as incendiary onstage as the Reid brothers and co, and to return the compliment, Trent Reznor – main man of Nine Inch Nails, the young openers in question – invited the JAMC to support NIN on a US tour in 2018.

This jaunt included six nights at the Hollywood Palladium, over which Sunset 666 was recorded. The 17 tracks that make up this live album draw from all stages and corners of the JAMC’s back catalogue. It is great to see tracks from the somewhat underrated Automatic album getting an airing as well as Isobel Campbell guesting vocally on Sometimes Always. Sunset 666 leaves the listener with no doubt that the Jesus And Mary Chain are still a blistering live act. 

words DAVID NOBAKHT