Blancmange Live at St Luke’s & The Winged Ox: A Night of Retro Synth-Pop Magic

Blancmange – Live at St Luke’s & The Winged Ox

Review By Darren McIntyre Images By Scott Anderson

Blancmange, the synth-pop band formed in Harrow in 1979, returned to the stage last night at St Luke’s & The Winged Ox in Glasgow, delivering a night of retro-infused 80s synth-pop hits. The band, originally a duo of Neil Arthur (Vocals) and Stephen Luscombe (Keys), gained prominence in the early 80s with tracks like “Living On The Ceiling,” “Waves,” “Blind Vision,” and “Don’t Tell Me.” After amicably breaking up in 1986, they reformed in the late 2000s and have since released numerous studio albums. With Neil Arthur at the helm, supported by session musicians, Blancmange’s tour stop in Glasgow was a nostalgic celebration of their iconic sound.

Highlights

Again I Wait For The World
The show opened with “Again I Wait For The World,” setting the tone with a funky pulsing groove accompanied by a drum machine. Neil Arthur’s smooth, soulful vocals proved just as captivating as they were in the band’s heyday. The crowd was immediately engaged, moving to the infectious opener that revived the essence of the 80s.

Reduced Voltage
The deep groover “Reduced Voltage” followed, with Neil grooving in front of the mic as synth tones filled the venue. His soft, melodic vocals perfectly complemented the soothing electro groove, taking the audience on a journey through their 80s record collection.

I’ve Seen The Word
Next was “I’ve Seen The Word,” featuring Neil’s moody vocals and a melancholic dark synth groove. The track’s kick-ass drum tone added depth and attitude, elevating this toe-tapping, mellow tune.

Feel Me
The tempo picked up with “Feel Me,” as Neil invited the crowd to dance. The pulsing drum kicks and synth grooves took the track on a journey, bringing back memories of youth with its killer 80s-infused tones.

Mindset
“Mindset” brought a dark, heavy pulsing synth groove, seamlessly blending with punchy beats. Neil’s mellow vocals fit perfectly in this dark arrangement, showcasing his prowess in crafting some of the best electronic tracks of the 80s.

The Western
With “The Western,” synth tones erupted from the stage, and Neil’s almost spoken lyrics worked brilliantly with the drum/synth combo. The infectious stop-start funk groove had everyone dancing as the cool synth grooves filled the venue.

Why Don’t They
“Why Don’t They” kicked in with foot-stomping drum beats, smooth vocals, and a punchy synth tone. The crowd sang along, swaying to the infectious arrangement that kept the energy high.

Game
“Game” delivered deep bass kicks and killer synth tones that hit hard. Neil’s mellow vocals launched this track, wrapping the audience in its deep funky tones and taking them back to their Ultratech Disco days.

Drive Me
“Drive Me” took the audience back with a cool funky synth groove and drum machine beats. Neil’s soulful vocals guided the track, as the crowd grooved to the psychedelic-infused synth arrangement.

Last Night
“Last Night” increased the tempo with its infectious, punchy groove. Neil’s soulful vocals lifted the track, and the crowd danced and sang along, feeling the energy flowing through the venue.

Waves
The tempo slowed with “Waves,” a ballad-style track with a cool bass kick and smooth vocals. The crowd swayed to the mellow beats, letting the simple synth tones and drum kicks take them to another place.

Distant Storm
“Distant Storm” featured soothing synth tones and deep bass kicks, creating a dark, soulful atmosphere. The mellow beat and cymbal snaps kept the track moving, taking the audience on a nostalgic journey.

Sometimes These
“Sometimes These” brought a moody groove with deep synth tones and rhythm drum sections. The soothing vocals and funk-laden beats had the crowd reminiscing about days gone by.

The Day Before You Came (ABBA Cover)
Blancmange’s cover of ABBA’s “The Day Before You Came” was a standout, with smooth piano notes and Neil’s emotional vocals. The well-executed cover brought a wave of nostalgia and emotion, captivating the audience.

Chemicals
“Chemicals” combined bass kicks, cymbal snaps, and a dark synth groove. Neil’s melancholic vocals drove the track, creating a moody, toe-tapping electro piece.

What’s The Time
“What’s The Time” featured pulsing drum grooves and mellow synth tones. Neil’s spoken lyrics added depth, and the snare drum tempo kept the audience moving with a thought-provoking groove.

Living On The Ceiling
The familiar groove of “Living On The Ceiling” erupted, filling the venue with energy. Neil’s vocals and the band’s instruments created a floor-filler track that had everyone dancing and singing along.

Blind Vision
“Blind Vision” burst to life with high-energy 80s tempo and pulsing synth tones. The crowd moved in unison, reliving their youth with this classic track.

Don’t Tell Me
The set concluded with “Don’t Tell Me,” featuring a familiar synth groove and Neil’s powerful vocals. The crowd clapped and sang along, ending the night with a funk-laden groove that left everyone on a high note.

Blancmange Band Members

• Neil Arthur – Vocals
• Findlay – Synth
• Will – Drum Machine

Setlist

1. Again I Wait For The World
2. Reduced Voltage
3. I’ve Seen The Word
4. Feel Me
5. Mindset
6. The Western
7. Why Don’t They
8. Game
9. Drive Me
10. Last Night
11. Waves
12. Distant Storm
13. Sometimes These
14. The Day Before You Came (ABBA Cover)
15. Chemicals
16. What’s The Time
17. Living On The Ceiling
18. Blind Vision
19. Don’t Tell Me

Blancmange delivered an unforgettable night of 80s synth-pop magic, proving that their music still resonates deeply with fans. Their performance at St Luke’s & The Winged Ox was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, filled with infectious grooves, soulful vocals, and timeless hits. Neil Arthur and his session musicians brought the essence of the 80s back to life, leaving the audience buzzing with energy and fond memories.