Fear. The idea and concept of what unnerves an individual and makes them scared. This can vary from one individual to another. Italian progressive rock band Goblin have a truly uncanny ability to translate the concept of fear into music.
The outfit will be forever linked to the work of fellow Italian, writer/director Dario Argento, for whom they have written several film scores such as Phenomena, Deep Red and what is seen as the defining masterpiece of both Goblin and Argento, the truly astounding 1976 work, Suspiria.
The crowd in attendance at Billboard was a curious mix, with older lovers of progressive rock music getting along famously with die-hard horror film fans.
The latter were clearly noticeable in their open enthusiasm and utter joy at the prospect of seeing Goblin perform live. The quintet, led by original members, synthetiser maestro Claudio Simonetti and guitarist Massimo Morante, really took this crowd on a journey, both through their own original works and the film music for which they are most renowned.
At his best, Argento has an incredible ability to create scenes and images that truly burn themselves into your brain. Part of this magic truly goes back to the music provided by Goblin. The combination of the two creates an incredible vibe and atmosphere.
This evening proved that the music has a truly psychological and affecting vibe and aura to it. Goblin’s music can tap into something raw and primal in the psyche; you can’t think of a logical or practical reason why you are scared when you hear the music, you simply are.
While the band’s original material was received warmly, it was the film music that really set this crowd on fire. The main themes from some of Argento’s best known films prompted an almost religious hush over the crowd, until they started singing along with the almost childlike repetition of the word ‘la’ in the theme for Suspiria.
That look of happiness and joy across the venue was something that can’t be faked. This was almost a spiritual nirvana-type moment amongst the assembled crowd.
In what was a brilliant touch, three video walls were placed behind the band on stage. At various intervals, iconic scenes and moments from both Argento’s oeuvre and scenes from the landmark George A. Romero film Dawn Of The Dead, for which Goblin provided the score, played while the band did their thing. Beautifully synched with the music, it was a highly effective device for both die-hard fans and newcomers to the work of Goblin.
One of the best moments of the night was the music from Phenomena. Released in 1983 and starring a very young Jennifer Connolly, the aural and visual combination truly raised goose bumps on the skin, illustrating why exactly 70s and 80s horror films from Europe had such a striking and unique style to them.
Tonight was nothing short of utter joy in musical form for lovers of both prog rock and, in particular, fans of horror genre and the way that European horror films and the music that goes with them have a totally different feel and vibe to their counterparts in other parts of the world.
Following on from some stellar shows last November as part of the debutante tour of Australia, this was very much a continuation from that tour and also, being a national tour, a greater chance for more people to see one of the most influential and exciting prog-rock bands to exist over the past four decades.
