The Slits at The Echo

Last night I saw The Slits play The Echo. The original version of this band formed in 1976 and toured with the Clash and Buzzcocks on White Riot Tour. I've seen the other two bands play, so I guess this means I can say I was there. Sorta. This lineup has founder and lead personality Ari Up with old-school member Tessa Pollit. They are pretty much embody Bob Marley's song "Punky Reggae Party," and Ari Up even claimed and channeled that spirit after the first song.


While the group oozes with tradition--yet is often ignored, something the dreadlocked singer mentioned when wondering why the Slits were not name-checked alongside The Only Band That Matters and the Pistols by the Edge in It Might Get Loud--there's a lot of youthful energy brought by the newer members.


I thought the temporary members who played keyboards and added vocals and brought a layer of L.A.-style Mika Miko power to the quite British Spirit of '77 vibe. They should have been there for the recording of the new album, Trapped Animal, which I thought was interesting but overproduced. Post punk but not cold in any way, infused with reggae but not taking itself too seriously, and fun as well, The Slits are still a great live band.



Yes, the classics are on Youtube, but live is always better. Especially their time-tested cover of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine"--a show stopper if I've ever heard one. The band says they're coming back to the U.S. next year, so check them out for yourself...