While the world patiently awaits for the follow-up to Broadcast's Tender Buttons (2006), which is a superb work of minimal futurism, I found this Black Sessions file -- recorded in France on April 5, 2000. The set is nearly identical to the playlists on the group's first North American tour in support of The Noise Made by People; it contains the stellar B-side, "Where Youth and Laughter Go," and an amazing near eight-minute version of "Hammer Without a Master."

Musically, the performnace is flawless. Interludes and electronic flourishes from ex-member Roj Stevens are mind-blowing, as are the vibratoed fuzz guitar of Tim Felton (guitar). And, of course, Trish Keenan sounds as cool as ice.
 

|||Download: "The Black Sessions" (zip-file)|||


Set list:

1. "Long Was The Year"
2. "Where Youth And Laughter Go"
3. "Message From Home"
4. "Echo's Answer"
5. "Dead The Long Year"
6. "Look Outside"
7. "Come On Let's Go"
8. "Interlude 2"
9. "Unchanging Windows"
10. "Paper Cuts"
11. "Lights Out"
12. "Hammer Without A Master"




- Photos by Laurent Orseau