Psychedelic Furs, the Lemonheads, Night Drive House of Blues November 2nd, 2014

Each month, countless bands tour the United States on the nostalgia ticket. What these shows generally present is a fond recollection of a time when both the band and the audience were fresher and tighter; the concert experience triggering a collective "Remember when?" for all involved. The nostalgia is often the best part of these shows, as the bands generally don't sound nearly as together as they did in the past.

Refreshingly, and somewhat surprisingly, Sunday night's Psychedelic Furs show was not this type of concert whatsoever. Despite striking an obvious reminiscent chord with its audience, the band's sound and performance were very much in the present.

The Furs' tight performance is likely linked to the fact that since regrouping in 2001, the band has been consistently riding the tour cycle. This constant touring could also speak to the concert's shockingly low attendance level.

It seems as though Houstonians have had a solid amount of opportunities to catch the Furs over the past decade, most of which have been at House of Blues (most recently as last July). As a Sunday night show on Halloween weekend, attendance was lackluster at best. Fans might feel as though they will have another chance to catch the Furs soon, in opposition to many of their contemporaries, so there is no real sense of urgency to pack a venue. With that being said, those who were there were completely committed to the experience and were treated to an exemplary show.

Singer Richard Butler's voice has somehow frozen in time. With a grainy tone that could easily lead to a complete inability to perform, the singer was astonishingly on point. The audience approved of opener "Into You Like a Train" and from that point on, the show only continued to impress.

Adorned in militaristic black suits, the band was as fashionable as they were in the '80s. While bassist Tim Butler was particularly stylish, saxophonist Mars Williams was the real star of the show. His performance on "Imitation of Christ" not only showcased his talents, but reminded fans why the Furs became such a success in the first place. Unlike other post-punk New Wave groups, they employed a unique combination of elements (the saxophone is a great example) that positioned them in a different light.

Story continues on the next page.