The Good, The Bad & The Queen

Performing in front of a charcoal backdrop of London, Damon Albarn’s super-group gave an intimate and mellow performance of their front-man’s melancholic ode to England. Losing some of the atmospheric thickness on the self-titled full-length, the set still moved along at a graceful and epic pace following their album’s running order. Exemplified by legendary drummer Tony Allen lightly tapping his drums, TGTBTQ appear to be a project among friends rather than an opportunity to show off seasoned expertise. Despite the gentlemanly top hat on his head, Albarn nearly had the show stolen from him by bass player Paul Simonon, who swung his signature bass around the stage and threw flirty smiles at the girls in the front row.