REVIEW: Iggy Pop's Montreux Jazz Festival Live Album Captures Raw Punk Power
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ BY KIMBERLY KAPELA ☆
DELIVERING A CAREER-SPANNING MASTERCLASS – Iggy Pop has once again cemented his legacy as the godfather of punk with the release of Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2023, a live album that captures the raw power and magnetic energy of his extensive career. Recorded on July 6, 2023, Iggy returned to the Stravinski Auditorium for his third appearance at the prestigious festival, backed by a seven-piece band and performing to a sold-out crowd with a career-spanning set including tracks from his time with The Stooges, his Idiot, Lust for Life, and New Values albums, leading up to the release of Every Loser. The album spans the acclaimed primitivism of Stooges-era “I Wanna Be Your Dog” and “T.V. Eye,” and the full-on unleashed rock fury of the recent “Frenzy.”
Montreux Jazz Festival’s team captured the power of the evening, preserving the pure energy of the performance for fans worldwide. The live recording brings listeners directly into the heart of the action, making them feel the primal roar of Iggy’s vocals, the visceral grit of the guitar riffs and the compact rhythm of the band.
Kicking off the set with a jolt of adrenaline, the band launches into “Five Foot One,” the electrifying opener from Iggy’s New Values record. Right from the first note, Iggy’s high-energy performance sets the tone for what’s to come, delivering the fiery intensity that has become synonymous with his name. The interplay between the saxophone’s rich, brassy tones and Iggy’s fervent, commanding voice creates an enthralling synergy, encapsulating the hard-hitting spirit of punk while nodding to the avant-garde flair of his jazz festival setting.
From the moment the opening riff of “T.V. Eye” rips through the speakers, the atmosphere shifts into overdrive. This classic from Funhouse, The Stooges’ 1970 masterwork, channels primal fury like no other, with Iggy unleashing snarls and growls that drip with aggression. Searing guitars slice through the mix with precision and passion, creating a feral backdrop that perfectly complements Iggy’s untamed vocal delivery. Adding to the sonic intensity is the saxophone, which weaves through the track like a wild animal, elevating the already frenzied atmosphere.
Performing the explosive “Raw Power” at Montreux, it’s a visceral reminder of Iggy’s unrelenting energy and The Stooges’ legacy. Staying true to its roots, the performance captures the untamed, feral essence that has defined the song since its debut as the title track of The Stooges’ groundbreaking 1973 album.
The Raw Power album, co-produced by David Bowie, became one of the murkiest and dirtiest records in rock history, celebrated for its grit and explosive spirit. Its sound pushed boundaries, creating a lasting impact that continues to influence generations of musicians. At Montreux, Iggy breathes fresh fire into the album. The band keeps the energy raw and unfiltered, with roaring guitars and pounding rhythms that embody the spirit of the original recording.
“Gimme Danger” emerges as a standout moment in Live at Montreux, with its haunting, ballad-esque approach steeped in ragged blues influences. The song’s stripped-back aggression feels both intimate and menacing, weaving tension and release in every note.
Iggy’s vocals glide between a smoldering croon and a defiant snarl, drawing listeners into the song’s hypnotic grip. As the performance unfolds, the instrumental intensity builds, shifting the spotlight onto the band. The guitars churn with a jagged edge, while the rhythm section maintains a steady, simmering pulse, anchoring the performance in vehement emotion.
Then, as if slicing through the smoky atmosphere, the saxophone rips sharply into the mix, adding a biting, unpredictable energy that elevates the song to new heights. The relation between the instruments becomes the driving force, blending grit and groove into a rich, dynamic soundscape that perfectly complements the song’s mood.
Anchored by trad rock roots, “The Passenger’s” driving, almost hypnotic guitar riff lays a foundation that is both steady and irresistible. Iggy’s vocals deliver a mix of laid-back cool and raw charisma. As the band locks into the infectious rhythm, the guitar work remains the heartbeat of the track, while the bass and drums provide a pulsing momentum that keeps the crowd roaring.
At the heart of Live at Montreux lies Iggy’s connection to his roots, brought to life through electrifying renditions of classic Stooges tracks like “Death Trip,” “I Wanna Be Your Dog” and “Search and Destroy.” “Death Trip” sears through the setlist with aggressive, electrifying guitar riffs that embody the primal energy of The Stooges’ early work. The snarling guitar work is both chaotic and precise, fueling the track’s unbridled intensity and providing a powerful backdrop for Iggy’s commanding presence. “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” a punk classic, takes on a fresh edge with reimagined jazz influences interlaced into the live performance.
“Nightclubbing,” originally from The Idiot, takes on a stripped-back approach in this live rendition. The minimalist instrumentals provide a softer edge that contrasts with the power present elsewhere in the set.
On the other hand, “Loose” revives the untamed energy of The Stooges’ early work but with a more sensual twist. The live performance channels the energy of the original while leaning into a slinkier, more seductive vibe. The raw, bluesy riffs and Iggy’s provocative stage presence imbue the track with a sultry, magnetic energy that feels both dangerous and exhilarating.
Live at Montreux concludes with a fiery performance of “Frenzy,” a perfect closer that encapsulates Iggy’s five-decade-long career and enduring legacy. Taken from his recent Every Loser album, the track is a testament to his ability to evolve without losing the energy and defiant spirit that have defined him since the 70s. The inclusion of recent tracks makes it clear that the fire that fueled his early work still burns bright. If anything, it feels more vital than ever.
In every sense, this album captures Iggy at his most electrifying and authentic. Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2023 isn’t just a look back at his legacy; it’s a celebration of the full breadth of his career, a living testament to the power of his fearless artistry and a career that only gathers more intensity with age.
