Live review: History today as Public Service Broadcasting deliver stunning show
A frontman who doesn’t sing. Largely instrumental tracks, layered with news archive vocal samples. A band dressed like geography teachers. Historical visuals.
Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Public Service Broadcasting – a band absolutely like no other – and an outfit that somehow make it all work to deliver a stunning show packed with treats and surprises.
PSB are a joyous breath of fresh air in the modern music world – even if their sound is truly rooted in history.
A quick guide to those not in the know.
Formed in 2010 in London, the art rockers are fronted by the mysterious J. Willgoose Esq, a bespectacled and bow-tie wearing frontman who rarely troubles the microphone, either with vocals or exchanges with the crowd.
He’s joined by Wrigglesworth (drums), JFAbraham (flugelhorn and bass guitar and Mr B (visuals and set design). German female vocalist Eera has recently joined the ranks to add melancholy vocals to a string of tracks.
The band mostly plays instrumental music, layering it with samples from old public information films, archive footage and propaganda material.
And despite this weird mix, it somehow all works.
Playing to their biggest ever crowd outside London at Halifax’s historic Piece Hall, PSB delivered a joyoys headline show, packed with Krautrrock, electronics and live orchestration, a vibrant brass section and even a couple of dancing astronauts.
Opening with Electra and The Fun Of It, taken from their 2024 Amelia Earhart tribute album The Last Flight, the band breezed through a selection of crowd pleasing classics.
So we were treated to Night Mail, Spitfire and Go! – the closest you’ll get to an audience singalong.
Public Service Broadcasting are the rarest of bands – they are utterly unique at what they do – and it’s a joy to behold.
You’d think a band of this nature would struggle to create any kind of atmosphere, but they do – and they do it in style.
Rounding things off with Everest and the space-funk anthem Gagarin, this was PSB at their other worldly best.
And during the grand finale, the entire stage lighting froze – with the band playing musical statues for several moments before bursting into life once more.
Mention too to all-female opening act The Big Moon, whose indie rock anthems and happy go lucky nature “Who’s had a meal deal today?” proved the perfect curtain raiser. You’ll definitely be seeing and hearing more from them over the coming years.
Together, both bands delivered one of the highlights of the Piece Hall’s summer line-up.
Go and check them out. You’ll be pleasantly surprised and soon a fan.