Psychedelic Furs march unapologetically down memory lane

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Psychedelic Furs at Teragram Ballroom

The year is 1984… the place, a record store somewhere in the lower east side of Manhattan. Blaring over the loudspeakers is “Pulse,” off the Psychedelic Furs debut album. Richard Butler’s throaty rasp barking “Saying the words what an idiot you are
, miracle drivel, optical sewer …”

To an 18-year-old, this was snotty nihilism at its best. I was in love.

Fast forward 32 years to Monday night at the Teragram Ballroom, where Butler’s rasp has mellowed to a nicotine-stained croon, and the nihilism has been replaced by sweet nostalgia.

Richard Butler

Richard Butler

As the band played tracks across the spectrum of their seven studio albums, their five “big” hits — “Heaven,” “Love My Way, “Ghost in You,” Heartbreak Beat” and “Pretty in Pink” — sounded true to the recorded versions. Too true in fact, as the entire set, augmented by a wash of backing tracks and Amanda Kramer’s gorgeous keys, lacked a sense of spontaneity.

Notably absent was the angular scraping squall original guitarist John Ashton brought to the fold. Unfortunately, Rich Good’s playing came across as safe and competent in comparison. Now pushing 60, Richard Butler is as energetic as ever, beaming and pogo-ing throughout the set while brother Tim vamped about on bass. Veteran session drummer Paul Garisto rounded out the proficient rhythm section.

Oddly enough, the most rock ’n’ roll thing about the Furs’ set was the diminutive Mars Williams, who delivered several blistering sax solos. Yes, kids, sax solos, something quiet prevalent among ’80s post-punk bands and surprisingly not yet recycled by the current musical illuminati.

Let it be known that there was nothing new here. No new album to peddle, and even the T-shirts and merch were of the vintage variety. “Pretty in Pink” held special sentimental sway among the elders in the audience, where Andie loved Blaine, despite Duckie’s fiercest protestations.

This is the Psychedelic Furs as a tribute band, and a few thousand shows into their notable career, there is nothing wrong with that. The band and crowd alike are in a demographic where they no longer have anything to prove other than the ability to march lovingly down memory lane.

||| Live: The Psychedelic Furs play again tonight at the Canyon Club.