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Spiritualized Think you have narcolepsy? You’re probably just at a Spiritualized show. The kings of epic (if not overwrought) space rock have perfected the routine of lulling you into a drug-induced dream world, then shaking you awake with howling despair. Immediately upon taking the stage at Philadelphia’s Trocadero Theatre, lead singer Jason Pierce retreated into a corner, where he sat facing away from the audience, refusing to say a single word between songs. Without the band’s typical spectacle of an orchestra, gospel choir and Pink Floyd-rivaling light show, Pierce seemed suddenly interested in simplicity. The majority of Spiritualized’s set comprised songs from the forthcoming release, Amazing Grace, a collection of demos recently leaked onto the Internet before the band made any official announcement that it was working on a new album. (Unsurprisingly, some fans in attendance already knew every word to the unreleased songs.) The new songs provided some of the night’s high points, particularly the spiteful “Never Going Back” and feedback-heavy show opener “This Little Life Of Mine,” which managed to sound like Iggy Pop fronting the Jesus And Mary Chain (minus the actual stage presence). “Cheapster,” another Amazing Grace track, had smoldering pop hooks complete with a piano breakdown, prompting more movement from the crowd than any other song. Pierce sang most of the songs as if his mouth was shot full of Novocain. While revisiting Spacemen 3’s “Walking With Jesus,” his vocals created a deep, surreal echo as a harmonica wafted through the room along with a cloud of fans’ pot smoke. The drowsy and ambient theme continued with “All Of My Tears” from 1995’s Pure Phase and anti-climaxed during a 10-minute instrumental diversion. The sincere use of xylophone, recorder and wind chimes (seriously, wind chimes?) elicited a rousing reaction (yawns and blank stares). To be fair, however, most of the stoned audience members closed their eyes and swayed. When the song ended, it was unclear whether people were applauding for the song or the sight of the band members strapping on their guitars. By the time the band got around to playing “Take Your Time,” an intimate and psychedelic live favorite, there was a girl curled at my feet taking a nap; meanwhile, some dude in the corner worked on his Tai Chi. Pierce mumbled “C’mon and slide with me,” and I know he meant it as a battle cry, but I felt like sliding right down to the floor and spooning with the sleeping girl. Spiritualized ended with “Smiles” from 1992 debut Lazer Guided Melodies, recalling Lou Reed’s “Heroin” if he had overdosed and gone halfway to heaven. They generously coupled the line, “When you smile, you know you blind me,” with strobe lights aimed point blank at our retinas. By the time we could see again, the stage was empty. The crowd started stomping for an encore, but the house lights went up, and everyone filed out like obedient churchgoers. We came for a religious experience; we left feeling guilty for not believing. —Natalie Jacobs |