The ‘Nits Voramar’ concert series at La Marina de València became a crossroads between two ways of understanding alternative music: the melancholic distortion of the Scots, The Jesus and Mary Chain (Saturday 28), and the luminous introspection of the Americans, Wilco (Sunday 29). Two bands with over three decades of trajectory, two ways of looking at the past without ceasing to sound current.

The Jesus and Mary Chain, celebrating their 40th anniversary with Glasgow Eyes (2024), an album that revisits their DNA of saturated guitars and dense atmospheres, but with unexpected nods to jazz. Their legacy is that of noise as a form of beauty: pioneers of shoegaze, bastard children of The Velvet Underground and The Beach Boys, with a punk attitude.

Wilco, meanwhile, with Cousin (2023), produced by Cate Le Bon, explores new textures without losing their essence. From their alt-country roots to their current eclecticism, Jeff Tweedy and company have made ‘change’ their trademark. Their live performance is a masterclass in subtlety, where every note feels measured yet never cold.

UK vs. America?

Rather, two ways of interpreting melancholy: one, wrapped in feedback and nihilism; the other, in warm harmonies, lyrics that embrace doubt, and solid guitar riffs. The Reids channel disillusionment with restrained fury; Tweedy does so with introspection, melody, and impossible riffs.

 Review of The Jesus and Mary Chain concert

The evening kicked off with Valencian band Humanian, who brought an ’80s flair with influences from Joy Division and Depeche Mode, and concluded with a set by legendary DJ Fran Lenares, keeping the energy high until the end. During the Reids’ performance, iconic tracks were played, including:

• Just Like Honey
• April Skies
• Head On
• Reverence
• Some Candy Talking
• Cracking Up
• Amputation
• Chemical Animal (from Glasgow Eyes)
• Jamcod (also from the new album)

A night of nostalgia and distortion that left fans with ringing ears and happy hearts.

Review of the Wilco concert

A magical night of alternative rock with soul and depth. The band, led by Jeff Tweedy, delivered a show combining classics like Jesus, etc. with newer tracks from their album Cousin and EP Hot Sun Cool Shroud, highlighting songs like Hot Sun, Livid, Ice Cream, and Annihilation. A perfect emotional connection between band and audience. Great sound quality and an even greater ability to reinvent their songs live. A special atmosphere was created in the open-air auditorium, with the sea breeze accompanying a performance full of nuance, intimate moments, and timeless guitar solos. Wilco reimagines their songs on stage, conjuring magical moments. Last night with Via Chicago, they transitioned from acoustic tenderness to electric chaos and a never-ending Impossible Germany solo, without ever descending into empty pyrotechnics.

Full setlist (Playlist):

• Via Chicago
• I Am My Mother
• Cruel Country
• War on War
• If I Ever Was a Child
• Hummingbird
• Hot Sun
• Livid
• Whole Love

10. Everyone Hides
11. One Wing
12. Evicted
13. Ice Cream
14. Jesus, etc.
15. Impossible Germany
16. Box Full of Letters
17. I Got You (At the End of the Century)

Encore:

18. Annihilation
19. California Stars
20. The Late Greats

In conclusion, the band’s artistic maturity—still reinventing themselves without losing their essence—fostered a magical atmosphere at the Marina Norte Auditorium, with the sea breeze as a backdrop.

Report by Kaiko

Photos & article copyright Kaiko/ ‘24/7 Valencia’