Nostalgic and nerve shattering, The Breeders are back

The set opens with the distortion drenched ‘New Year’; beginning as a delightful dirge and seamlessly transitioning into potent power chords, we are whisked in to the whirlwind of The Breeders. The opening ‘Good Morning!’ of ‘Wait In The Car’ sparks a scream from the crowd, delighted to be in presence of rock royalty. ‘All Nerve’ ignites a sweet sing-along and, for the audience of striped shirts straight from the office who are now skittishly jumping through the fuzz-laden instrumentals, it’s as if they’ve turned back the clock. By ‘Divine Hammer’ we’ve all adopted faux American accents, almost as if we could be in the band.

It’s the sweet interactions between Kim and Kelley Deal that really sell the set; quick quips and short introductions show an intense bond between the band. Tender moments come from slower songs such as ‘Drivin on 9’ – with added violin - and by ‘Off You’ we’re in awe. These beautiful moments are extremely emotional and are greeted with multiple ‘I love you Kim!’s from an overwhelmed audience. During the illustrious, long awaited ‘Cannonball’ the set shifts gear and the band crack through the rest of their incredible catalogue. ‘Metagoth’ and ‘Happiness Is A Warm Gun’ are sultry and striking while Pixies cover ‘Gigantic’ falls nothing short of its title.

I imagine for older audience members tonight’s show is in equal parts nostalgic as it is nerve shattering but, for me, I was born in the 90s and am somewhat new to it. I might have missed the movement but I’m certainly aware of its impact and, after tonight, it’s as if it’s been given a new lease of life.