Released in 1985, ‘Flaunt the Imperfection’ was China Crisis’s third album and marked a shift in the band's sound and production style, thanks to the influence of Steely Dan’s Walter Becker, who was hired as producer. Widely regarded as their most polished and mature work, the band softened their earlier, more angular post- punk tendencies in favour of a smoother, jazz-tinged sound. The result was a sophisticated pop record with emotional depth and intelligent lyrics. Could they reproduce this in a live environment some 40 years later?
The opening set comprised the first side of ‘Flaunt the Imperfection’, played in order. Each song was preceded by film or photographs from the era, projected onto a screen, and an anecdote told by singer Gary Daly. If you’ve seen the band in recent years, you’ll know that Daly is a witty raconteur whose stories can last as long as the songs themselves. ‘The Highest High’ was accompanied by a video shot on a grey and wet day in early ’80s Kirkby.
Daly described ‘Strength of Character’ as a rare reggae excursion for the band—one he joked was difficult for “Caucasians from Merseyside” to pull off with any degree of authenticity. ‘You Did Cut Me’ was preceded by the tale of how they had never met George Michael but did use Steve Gregory, the saxophone player who performed on ‘Careless Whisper’.
As track four on the album, fan favourite ‘Black Man Ray’ appeared earlier in the set than usual but had an already excited audience on its feet. Daly proceeded to talk about age, Eddie Lundon’s receding hairline, and their growing need for medical consultants.
The first half of the set—like side one of the album—closed with the rhythmic ‘Wall of God’.
The second half of the show comprised side two of the album. ‘Gift of Freedom’ was followed by ‘King in a Catholic Style’, introduced with the story of how its memorable riff was written by Walter Becker—though he wasn’t credited at the time. Before ‘Bigger the Punch I’m Feeling’, Daly credited his and Lundon’s sisters for influencing the band’s musical taste, particularly their love of soul and pop.
The final song from ‘Flaunt the Imperfection’, ‘Blue Sea’, was dedicated to the album’s engineer, Phil Brown. Its soft, ambient instrumentation and oceanic imagery offered a sense of release, ending the album—and the second half of the show—on a beautifully melancholic note.
The encore featured their greatest hits and more stories from Daly: ‘African and White’, ‘Arizona Sky’, and ‘Tragedy & Mystery’. Daly told a story about how Alice Cooper once played ‘Flaunt the Imperfection’ on his tour bus. The final two songs of the night were ‘Wishful Thinking’ and ‘Christian’. Daly’s closing anecdote recounted the band’s irritation at being billed below Carole Decker, Sonia, and Go West at retro festivals.
Daly and Lundon were supported by an outstanding five-piece band—whom they unfortunately failed to properly introduce. However, the lineup included Jack Hymers on keyboards, Eric Animan on saxophone, and Stuart Nisbet on guitar.
This was a night of nostalgia for sure, but a radiant Gary Daly, Eddie Lundon and their band ensure China Crisis’s musical legacy endures.
This was a one-night show, but China Crisis: Celebrating Flaunt the Imperfection’s 40th Anniversary is on a UK tour throughout 2025.
Tickets available here: https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/china-crisis
Reviewer – Adrian Cork
On – 24.05.2025
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