I DIDN'T know much about Public Service Broadcasting, but I liked their name. Being a bit late to the party, I had to do some homework on the 'London-based masters of conceptual pop historiography' ahead of their gig at Piece Hall.
A 'concept album' band that doesn't sing? A frontman who wears a bow tie and looks like the sixth form chess champ? I was expecting something maybe technically brilliant, but nerdy and earnest. Kraftwerk in corduroy blazers.
What I didn't expect was such a joyous, playful experience. Along with the compelling visuals and slick, nuanced live music came a lovely sense of fun and inclusivity. They had me long before the dancing astronauts entered the stage.
Dancing astronauts on stage for encore epic Gagarin
(Image: Cuffe & Taylor)
The cinematic rock pioneers delivered the show of the season at Piece Hall last night - brilliantly blending stirring historic audio narratives with electronics, orchestration and their joyful brand of space funk.
Sampling audio speeches and soundbites from old public information films and propaganda material, the tracks were performed against a backdrop of archive film and documentary footage. From Russians in space to mining communities in the Welsh Valleys, this was Inform-Educate-Entertain in a rousing live music experience.
The set featured striking visuals from old films and documentaries
(Image: Cuffe & Taylor)
Their spectacular Halifax show opened with Electra and The Fun Of It, featuring guest singer Eera's haunting vocals - both tracks from sublime 2024 album The Last Flight, paying homage to the final voyage of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart - followed by fan favourites including The Pit, Spitfire and Blue Heaven.
Highlights included rousing crowd-pleaser Go! from The Race for Space album and Night Mail, inspired by the 1936 GPO documentary following the Euston to Scotland postal train.
I can't think of any other act that could pull off an audience sing-along to a sample of a WH Auden poem: 'This is the Night Mail crossing the border, Bringing the cheque and the postal order, Letters for the rich, letters for the poor, The shop at the corner and the girl next door.' I mean, it's niche, but gloriously nostalgic and enriching.
Frontman J. Willgoose, Esq on stage
(Image: Cuffe & Taylor)
The four-song encore included Everest and the mighty Gagarin, showcasing the band's impressive musicianship. Founder J Willgoose, Esq, bassist JF Abraham and drummer Wrigglesworth switched to a variety of instruments throughout the set, from guitar to synths, percussion and trumpet, with set and visuals maestro Mr B capturing the on-stage magic on camera. A terrific brass three-piece revved up the carnival vibe.
This was 20th century history delivered in a cracking set of electronic rock and rich visuals, and a rare treat to experience one of music’s must-see live acts outside London.
Experimental, occasionally eerie, and hugely entertaining. The best band you've never heard of! I loved them.
The Big Moon were special guests
(Image: Cuffe & Taylor)
Opening the night was an excellent set from special guests Mercury-nominated, alt-pop four-piece The Big Moon, blending crowd favourites with new tracks and a cool cover of Fat Boy Slim's Praise You. Superb.
- The 42-show TK Maxx presents Live at The Piece Hall series continues on Wednesday (August 26) with US rockers Turnstile before BRIT Award winners Bastille bring the curtain down on the 2026 summer season on Friday (August 28).