Sugar Review – Bob Mould’s fusion band is still in the sweet spot between noise and music | Pop and rock

Bob Mold didn’t seem interested in looking back. Bridges to a Hüsker Dü reunion were burned long before drummer and songwriter Grant Hart’s death in 2017; The idea that Mold could revive Sugar, the band that scored three unexpected UK Top 10 albums for the alt-rock duo in the 90s, seemed far-fetched. But here we are: after three New York shows, Mold, David Barbe and Malcolm Travis are touring the UK and Ireland.

Some things have changed: the hot sea of ​​moshers at the 90s shows is now a peaceful sea of ​​middle-aged people. Travis, 73, appears to be walking slowly, smarting from the sweltering heat inside the Forum. Others don’t: JC Auto, which closes the main set, remains aggressive and fun, very fun. The fog still swirls around the stage like a man frantically searching for a way he has lost.

Mould, without a doubt, is the man who brought music to American hardcore punk, and Sugar continued his desire for big songs and burning guitars. When he plays solo, it’s sometimes hard to pick out the music behind the guitar, but the ballast of the rhythm section has the music in place, and the beautiful If I Can’t Change Your Mind and Gee Angel blasted out on the PA.

Barbe’s vocals don’t go well – her voice is flat and high and a little distorted. You can hear him singing on Company Book, but it’s more subtle than the picked, floating vocals on the guitars. The style itself, however, adds depth to his style, giving Sugar a warmth that not all of his contemporaries could manage.

There’s no downtime, just 23 songs in 90 minutes, including two re-recordings – Love Lives Long and House of Dead Memories – meaning Sugar can do more than just visit gen X nostalgia. We can only hope.