Purple patch over for '80s camp pop duo

IT is brash, garish and absolutely flamboyant. What else could be expected from kitsch '80s pop duo Erasure?

The huge purple glitter stage which Andy Bell is prancing around in camouflage pants and a Debbie Harry T-shirt somewhat overshadows the man himself – such an ostentatious piece of set would be more worthy of a genuine pop legend, such as Elton John. Let's hope no-one has a phobia of purple, although they may not be the only ones running away in terror.

This is a long-awaited return for many in the crowd who've come to hear the hits that propelled Erasure to fame in the 1980s and early '90s.

What we are greeted with, however, is a lethargic slog through material off new album Light At The End of The World – songs no-one really knows and an album few are likely to buy after this performance.

Now that bands like the Scissor Sisters have upped the game in the world of camp pop, with big anthems and edgy attitudes, Erasure look a little weary. It is hard to muster enthusiasm for even their old hits such as Oh L'amour that just seem to bring back memories of terrible fashion rather than all the great things about the '80s. Sassy backing singers, wearing matching camouflage dresses, do their best to add depth to the sound and Bell is a charismatic front-man, but one feels Vince Clark, who brazenly stands there with his lap top, can only produce so much out of a computer.

Of course it's hard not to sing along to their most successful songs, Respect and Sometimes, but you're relieved by the end that it's the noughties now and you can find a club where you can dance to Take Your Mama Out.

Heather Hampson

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