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Graham Clark
Music Features Writer
@Maxximum23Clark
9:53 PM 30th March 2014
arts

ABC - The Lowry, Salford

 
Martin Fry - lead singer of ABC
Martin Fry - lead singer of ABC
Across the road from tonight's venue is Media City UK where the BBC's The Voice was being produced at the same time as the ABC gig - the voice to be reckoned with though is that of Martin Fry, lead singer of ABC who was here to perform their classic album, The Lexicon of Love, in its entirety - with the Southbank Sinfonia.

The show was split into two halves: the first half consisted of the latter tracks the band produced such as When Smokey Sings, The Night You Murdered Love, Ocean Blue and Be Near Me. Fry performs a new track too, Viva Love, which shows that he has not lost his vision of melodic, soulful pop.

After the interval it was time for what the majority of the audience had come to hear - the full version of The Lexicon of Love. Many had travelled far to see the gig including some fans from Brazil. The Trevor Horn produced album has stood the test of time and worn well. The orchestration on the album was by Anne Dudley who fittingly, is conducting the orchestra tonight.

The songs were always meant to be heard in this environment with this lush production. Fry's voice has aged well; he can still hit the notes and makes it look so easy. In a grey suit he cuts a dashing slim figure.

For many it was an opportunity to revisit their youth but who can deny the power of tracks such as Poison Arrow, Tears are not Enough and The Look of Love (which is performed twice tonight, the second as the encore). That is not to say his later work is not as powerful - it is but ABC and Fry will always be remembered for the subliminal piece of work that is The Lexicon of Love.

Salford Quays is a soulless place but Fry, Dudley and the Sinfonia Orchestra made sure that they put the soul and heart back into it tonight. Pure magic, quality and an opportunity that might never happen again. Classic album and a classic gig.