The Feminine Divine carry’s on from where the previous LP left off in terms of musical direction. So for those that have not kept up with Dexys output this century it was probably a change step too far.  ‘The Feminine Divine’ tour thus will alienate all but the devout followers and in my humble opinion it’s a bit disjointed and way too self indulgent with too many mediocre tracks.  A record then for himself rather than any target audience.  This may well have explained a half full Southend Cliffs Pavilion.

The album is about women from the eyes/heart of Kevin as the central protagonist discussing his life journey from laddism to slavish devotion to them.  It might be interesting to see this as a theatrical production instead of in songs?  Song wise it was ok’ish, a bit awkward am-dram in places, it certainly didn’t fully engage the audience.  Luckily for me I had already listed to this a few times and had my favourite songs, so I put it on in the car, for my mates, on the way to the gig and after about 4 songs they all said put something bloody decent on – hope he plays the hits!!

The stage was minimalistic with 2 synths, violin, drums, trombone, sax – well if you have a laptop you can do anything musically these days ☹.  So apart from Kevin the other standout was the violinist, Lucy Morgan, who play beautifully and acted as the girlie foil for Kevins storytelling of the Feminine Divine – including putting her make up on and dancing with him on the final song of the ‘Dance With Me’.  So part one (45 mins) was the new LP in it’s entirety.  After each song there was a bit of word interplay, mainly asking questions relating to the next song’s content, with keyboard player Michael Timothy.  They start with soulful ‘The One That Loves You’ with Kevin and Lucy acting out the song’s lyrical meanings.  A fake fight with her other suiter, the sax player, ensues whilst Kevin declares his love for her.  They won’t be winning any acting gongs that’s for sure..

Kevin Rowland was flamboyantly dapper in his pink shoes, emerald green suit with Zoot style trousers, stripped red/white top and white sailor hat.  In fact he reminded me of an outtake from a promo photoshoot for some Jean-Paul Gaultier perfume advert.  The band also looked like leftovers from the village people – lumberjack, cowboy.

Set list – The Feminine Divine / The Hits (click on link to see video clip)

1. The One That Loves You – (The Feminine Divine, 2023)
2. It’s Alright Kevin (Manhood 2023) – (The Feminine Divine, 2023)
3. I’m Going To Get Free – (The Feminine Divine, 2023)
4. Coming Home – (The Feminine Divine, 2023)
5. The Feminine Divine – (The Feminine Divine, 2023)
6. My Goddess Is – (The Feminine Divine, 2023)
7. Goddess Rules – (The Feminine Divine, 2023)
8. My Submission – (The Feminine Divine, 2023)
9. Dance With Me – (The Feminine Divine, 2023)
10. Plan B – (Too-Rye-Ay, 1982)
11. I’ll Show You – (Too-Rye-Ay, 1982)
12. All in All (This One Last Wild Waltz) – (Too-Rye-Ay, 1982)
13. Until I Believe in My Soul – (Too-Rye-Ay, 1982)
14. Free – (One Day I’m Going to Soar, 2012)
15. Come on Eileen – (Too-Rye-Ay, 1982)

Encore:

1. Geno – (Searching for the Young Soul Rebels, 1980)
2. Jackie Wilson Said (I’m in Heaven When You Smile) – (Too-Rye-Ay, 1982)
3. Carrickfergus – (Let the Record Show: Dexys Do Irish and Country Soul, 2016)

After 20 minutes the band reconvene to pretty much play the best ‘Too-Rye-Aye’ bits with the odd few tracks from their other output.  Finally the audience are more involved and lip synching to the lyrics.  The bad also seemed more enthused and at ease that they can actually get on with being musicians, instead of ham actors.  The sound is more vibrant and intense.  This is what the vast majority have waited for – classic Dexys at last and with some odd lyrics updated.  ‘Plan B’ and ‘I’ll Show You’ are wonderful – it’s a more joyous atmosphere all round.  Obviously self evident to Kevin as after ‘Geno’ he said “your all awake now”.  The once seated crowd erupt on the opening bars of ‘Come On Eileen’ and we are all out of our seats, jiving and having a right royal singalong. Then the encore of ‘Geno’ and ‘Jackie Wilson Said’ with the backdrop showing a picture of Jocky Wilson as per the TOTP faux par at the time – so they do have a sense of humour 😊.

The final ditty was the moving Irish folk song ‘Carrickfergus’, a lovely piece of work done emotional justice by Kevin. 

The second set had sporadic historical video montages of Kevin’s musical journey over the years. His voice is the same, easily recognisable unique and strong as ever – not bad for a 70 year old bloke.

So how to sum up – well I’m glad I’ve finally seen them and it brought back some great 80s memories.  To put in football terms it was a game of 2 halves – bore draw in the 1^st and a 3 nil win in the 2^nd.

Marko [18 Sept 2023]