For those unaware, 2012 saw the Hearts and Knives comeback release by Visage. After a 28 year absence the UK synthpop pioneers had a hit album once more. Frontman Steve Strange was back on top, appearing in a series of TV and radio appearances and even fronting a for one night only Blitz Club.

Visage had until that point in time been a studio band and (aside from a few TV appearances with the vocal mic turned on) had never performed with a full band. Tasked with the challenge of putting together a full live show to support their hit album, long-time Visage collaborator Steve Barney Barnacle was tasked with the challenge.

Barney over the years has been a top session musician and played in many bands, including a stint as the bass player in later day Queen. Robin Simon (ex Ultravox) and Synth player Logan Sky from Visage laid down their parts immaculately. The resulting powerful live sound presented the perfect backdrop for vocalists Steve Strange and Lauren Duvall to deliver the Visage hits old and new.

The Live 2013 CD captures the best moments from the thirteen date 2013 tour. The physical CD version includes banter and chat from lead man Steve Strange and the crowd, whilst the digital release focuses purely on the music with no interruptions.

1. Never Enough [04:22]
2. The Damned Don’t Cry [04:53]
3. The Anvil [06:47]
4. Hidden Sign [05:47]
5. Pleasure Boys [04:51]
6. Mind Of a Toy [04:25]
7. The Dancer [09:40]
8. Shameless Fashion [05:02]
9. Fade to Grey [03:59]
10. Visage [04:57

Preferring the synth sounds coming out of Germany, Midge Ure and Rusty Egan leave Rich Kids and formed Visage with Steve in 1978, and thus having always been one of my favorite bands to listen to, this captivatingly good new live set opens on the pounding synth of Never Enough and the gloriously free flowing The Damned Don’t Cry, an impressive The Anvil, what is his favorite track off that new album Hidden Sign and a transportive Pleasure Boys.

Along next is an absolutely tingling version of their big hit Mind Of a Toy which is then itself backed by the gripping synth/guitar/drum instrumental The Dancer and the funkily grooved Shameless Fashion, the set rounding out on the magnificent flashback gold of Fade to Grey, closing on the propulsive Visage.

Official Purchase Link

www.therealvisage.com