REVIEW: THE THE @ ORPHEUM THEATER 10/19

Photo Credit: John Claridge

Review by Claudio Del Balzo Moreno

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, English rock band The The had its Boston concert at the Orpheum Theater as part of the “Ensoulment World Tour 2024” to promote their latest album in 25 years of said name.

The The’s album “Ensoulment” explores themes surrounding human connection, spirituality, and the search for meaning in a complicated world. Through their introspective lyrics, the band reflects on identity, empathy, and the impact of technology on our lives. Musically, the album blends their signature style with new influences, creating a fresh and contemporary sound. Overall, “Ensoulment” seeks to provoke deep reflection on existence and relationships in the modern age.

“Ensoulment” continues their signature style of post-punk and deep lyrics. The The is known for its fusion of genres and focus on social and emotional issues. Led by singer-songwriter Matt Johnson since 1979, along with its current lineup, the setlist consisted of two halves. Johnson, with a quintessentially witty English humor, referred to it as “a great deal for you are lucky tonight; two for one.” The first half is with the songs from the new album, then the second one with the classic hits. Or, as Matt Johnson put it, “the ones that will get you up and dancing.” 

One of the most acclaimed songs from the album, “Cognitive Dissident,” addresses the tension between perception and reality, exploring how beliefs and experiences can clash and create internal conflict. The song is about the struggle to find meaning in a world filled with conflicting information and the difficulty of staying true to oneself amidst external pressures. Through thoughtful lyrics, it invites introspection on identity and truth, resonating with those who feel caught between different perspectives. It is a powerful reflection on the human condition and the search for authenticity.

Another favorite is “Some Days I Drink My Coffee By The Grave Of William Blake,” a song that reflects a mix of admiration and melancholy. The lyrics evoke the figure of the poet and artist William Blake, known for his spiritual vision and social criticism. Through the metaphor of drinking coffee by his grave, the song explores themes such as the search for inspiration, connection with the past, and the struggle against hopelessness in the present. The song’s atmosphere invites introspection and reflection on the legacy of thinkers who have influenced our understanding of the world. It is a piece that combines the personal with the universal, creating a dialogue between the present and history.

For further context, William Blake was an English poet and painter born in 1757 and died in 1827. Blake is known for his unique vision of the world, which combines mysticism, spirituality, and social criticism. His works, such as Songs of Innocence and Experience and The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, address themes such as the duality of existence, human nature, and the search for truth.

In addition to his poetry, Blake also created illustrations and engravings, which often complement his writings and reflect his visionary style. His work was little appreciated during his lifetime but has had a lasting impact on literature, art, and philosophy, making him a key figure in cultural history. Matt Johnson’s choice to reflect himself with this artist serves as a great analogy to further understand him.

With this mix of nostalgia and new songs, they got to please the crowd with their unconventional ways. People were enjoying having “some of the London weather,” as Johnson said about the emotionally striking ambiance of the music, while contrasting with Boston’s unusual and “beautiful” summer-like weather.  

The The’s music conveys a wide range of emotions and reflections. Their lyrics often address themes such as alienation, politics, love, and internal struggle, allowing listeners to connect on a profound level. The fusion of genres, including elements of post-punk, rock, blues, folk, and synthpop, creates an intense and evocative atmosphere. The The’s music invites introspection and the exploration of complex emotions, which has resonated with many loyal fans over the years.

To close off with a very awaited moment of the show, the playing of one of their greatest hits, “Heartland.” It was released on their 1989 album “Mind Bomb.” The song addresses themes of identity, nationalism, and the struggle to find a sense of belonging in a changing world. Through its lyrics, it reflects a social and political critique, as well as an exploration of the relationship between people and their environment.

Musically, “Heartland” combines rock and pop influences with melodic arrangements, creating a powerful and emotive atmosphere. It is one of The The’s most recognizable songs and has resonated with many listeners for its lyrical depth and thematic relevance.

The ending line “This is the 51st state of the USA” in “Heartland” is interpreted as a critique of US influence and intervention in other parts of the world. It suggests that certain regions or countries are being treated as extensions of the United States, reflecting a loss of cultural identity and global homogenization.

This type of comment can be seen as a comment on cultural imperialism and the way dominant powers affect smaller nations. In the context of the song, it emphasizes the struggle for authenticity and belonging in a world where borders and identities are increasingly blurred. While it mainly refers to the UK´s strong alignment with the USA´s policies, the line highly resonated with me, coming from Panama, a country that was created by the USA to make the Panama Canal a reality.  And this is just putting the meaningfulness of The The´s music into perspective from a political point of view.