On Tuesday, The Police cudgelled an open-minded Bottom Line crowd into happy submission. Their organic blend of reggae, reggae dub and power pop (complete with the yearning tenor lead that America loves) works well, although the songs don't perhaps walk out into the audience and tap their victims on the shoulder.

Two exceptions are 'Can't Stand Losing You' and (the hit) 'Roxanne'. The Police did a fully satisfying version of 'Roxanne', going between the verses. Sting (bassist and singer) got the crowd chanting, sand percussive syllables through an echoplex and generally did it to death. The choruses truly storned. Other good numbers were 'Feel So Lonely' (also with an Ire Feelings bit) and a bluesy vamp entitled 'There's A Hole In My Life' (which sometimes recalled the Earth, Wind & Fire version of 'Got To Get You Into My Life'). A trio, it was noted, is the only way to travel. Certianly the Police do great with the configuration.

The star of the show was Kim Turner, the band's sound engineer. Each instrument was eq'd, flanged, phased, digital-delayed, analog-delayed, unavoidably delayed, whatever. The Police sounded strong, which you expect from a three-piece, but also rich.

© Melody Maker by Davitt Sigerson
Ticket image courtesy of Dietmar

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