U2: 1978

(Note: the exact date of the show being reviewed here is unknown.)

(snip earlier portion of article)

On the other hand, U-2 have only one big problem, conquering the “fast-is-good” fallacy that plagues them now. Already possessed of a fine rhythm section, a tangible identity, and a promising vocalist, U-2 managed to negate the impact of their originals simply by playing too fast. What could well have been very clever songs sounded unintelligible and indistinguishable.

A glimmer of U-2’s direction may be gleaned from the inclusion of Wire’s “Mannequin” in their set, and if U2 can slow down long enough to be heard, they could step to the fore of the Dublin music scene.

© Hot Press, 1978. All Rights Reserved.