Broadcast
The Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA
November 21, 2005

Broadcast’s latest album, Tender Buttons, saw the band shrink from three members to two amidst their most dramatic shift in sound yet. Remaining members vocalist Trish Keenan and guitarist James Cargill were joined at the Troubadour by two unknown members, and the live band renewed the full-bodied Broadcast sound which is absent on Tender Buttons, fleshing the new tracks out but keeping their buzzy integrity intact. Expectations for the performance were high for the last night of the tour, and the band didn’t disappoint.

New songs “Tender Buttons” and “Michael A Grammar” oozed confidence, with Keenan’s sultry vocals deftly dripping over the rich and colorful musicianship of the backing band. The extended version of “I Found the F” was sent into orbit with some out-of-this-world drumming, and past favorites “Come On Let’s Go” and “Still Feels Like Tears” appeased old-school fans. Sadly, the crowd didn’t seem to know how to react to how good the show was. Most of the audience stood around motionless and others couldn’t stop talking. Too bad—they let one of the better shows of the year breeze right by.

www.broadcast.uk.net

By Nick Hyman
12/2005