The Selecter and The Beat conjure up hi-octane sets at The Apex

REVIEW

The Selecter and The Beat, The Apex Bury St Edmunds, Thursday, October 19

They had their dancing shoes on when The Selecter and The Beat combined for an energetic, hi-octane at The Apex, last night.

The venue was near bursting at the seams and the audience jumped and jousted along with the bands as they rolled out sets full of old and new tunes.

Life-long friends, they are two of the main bands to come out of two tone – a musical and cultural movement which is still as relevant today as it was over 30 years ago.

The Beat, was fronted by Ranking Roger, who was joined by his son, Ranking Junior – AKA Matthew Murphy, and they powered out songs including “Too Nice To Talk To”, “Tears Of A Clown” and “Mirror In The Bathroom”.

While The Selecter, led by their iconic frontwoman Pauline Black and Arthur “Gaps” Hendrickson thrilled their fans with a host of tunes which included “Missing Words”, “Danger”, “On My Radio” and “Too Much Pressure”.

Then the two bands’ singers combined for a final song with a  fantastic and powerful rendition of “Madness”.

And if the reaction of the audience was anything to go by The Selecter and The Beat will soon make a welcome return.

RUSSELL COOK