Moloko kick off their November 2003 Brixton Academy gig, their final performance of a hectic world tour, with ‘Familiar Feeling’, something that describes the effect Ms Murphy has on me. A very recognisable stiffening. If our beloved editor wants any pointers on soft porn poses, she should watch this masterclass from Moloko’s lead singer. (Er, thank you! – Ed) My personal favourite comes as she gets down on all fours. Time after time after time.

Moloko are known, and indeed castigated, for having monopolised radio air play for what seemed like the whole of 1999 with ‘Sing It Back’. And whilst it’s true this song grates like Parmesan, the album from which it was lifted, Things To Make & Do, can be described as a modern masterpiece. The epic ‘Absent Minded Friends’ confirms this.

It’s something of a revelation when Roisin (Isn’t She Lovely?) Murphy announces ‘Day For Night’ as dating back to 1993.  Moloko are certainly growing old disgracefully as the dirty dancing from their vocalist continues. This is visual viagra and no mistake.

Moving on from Murphy’s body to her voice and, wouldn’t you know it, it’s entrancing. Simultaneously sonorous and velvety, it’s given a serious workout with songs averaging above the five-minute mark. It stands up to such challenges as the wordy ‘Where Is The What If The What Is In Why?’ That title should be used as a test of sobriety. If you’re able to say it, you’re fine for a few more; if you’re not, you’ve had one too many sherberts.

The band dazzle with ‘Pure Pleasure Seeker’ It starts off slow before speeding up. What a tease. This is dance music that’s cerebral. ‘The Time Is Now’ sees hands shoot up in the air all over the venue. At the end of the song, the ravishing Roisin acknowledges the crowd in her Mrs-Doyle accent: “You crazy motherfuckers.”

By the time Murphy sings ‘100%’, she starts to warble in the language of love. That would be French. Wearing kinky boots, she furthers her sex appeal by sassily shaking her derriere. Mmm, foxy lady.

The vocoder introduction to ‘Sing It Back’ lends some mystique to this most overfamiliar of tunes. Then comes the encore which sees La Murphy return wearing a carnival mask, fag in one hand, alcoholic beverage in the other. She sure is a showgirl.
(5/5)

Release Date: 26 July 2004

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