It’s a special album that stands up to a track by track recital. Echo and The Bunnymen’s 1984 classic Ocean Rain is certainly that, as last night’s performance proved.

Frontman Ian McCulloch would agree. The loudmouthed Liverpudlian was making bold claims about his band back when Noel Gallagher was still in nappies.

With an orchestra behind him and long coat over his shoulders, it was McCulloch’s time to shine. On the eerie The Killing Moon, his sonorous baritone echoed The Doors’ Jim Morrison, while on the tender Ocean Rain he showed there was heart and soul to match the significant swagger.
Elsewhere, Silver showcased the articulate guitar work of Will Sergeant — the only other surviving member from the original line-up.

The Albert Hall provided the right theatrical backdrop. You felt that a well-groomed orchestra may not have gone down so well at Eric’s, the Liverpool club where the group’s post-punk psychedelia first caught public attention.

The black-and-white photos that flashed either side of the stage were a reminder of this history. Picturing the band back in their heyday, they gave the show a dusty air of nostalgia.
Last night, though, these echoes were worth a second listen.