Has the Great Spy Experiment arrived? How is one to judge anyway? Is it the fact that they’ve played at the SXSW festival? Or maybe by releasing a critically acclaimed debut album? Or perhaps even headlining their own gig at the Esplanade Recital Studio last Friday?

Well, it’s partly all these things but really it’s about how the music makes you feel. Yeah, that’s it, boys and girls. I stood almost at the back of the hall soaking in the atmosphere witnessing the crowd swaying, jumping, dancing, screaming, shouting, fist-pumping, arms saluting, head bopping to the sound and fury that GSE dispense from the stage. The audience reaction was something to savour.

The band was in fine form – visually and sonically. The guys were all resplendent in their suits and Mag looked sizzling – literally. Hot! Whilst the sound was poor at the beginning, that hiccup didn’t last (thankfully) and as the band cranked out the hits, the fans simply lapped it all up. The highlight for me was the new song – Litmus – which came across to me as all the best bits about Flower Show Riots album condensed in one really incandescent moment.

I must confess that I could barely contain my joy at watching Song, Saiful, Mag, Khai and Fandy revel in the spotlight – Song was grinning like a Cheshire cat and Saiful kept shaking his head in disbelief at the awesome reception the band was getting. At the very end with Class ‘A’ Love Affair, the Great Decay and Flow, the Recital Studio was rocking and the sheer energy was tangible and palpable. Magic!

Two moments summed it up for me. Thomas (Perplexed) Tan at the very front, putting his camera aside and simply moving to the music and Fir singing at the top of his lungs behind me in happy abandon.

That’s what its all about!!!

Those who were fortunate enough to get tickets will understand what I’m talking about. It’s a gig that will live long in the memory but I believe that GSE will surpass even this achievement before too long…

… still there’s more …