Thursday, June 30, 2022

The Fixx dive deeper with new songs and classic hits in Omaha

The Fixx returned to the Waiting Room in Omaha on June 28 with its "Every Five Seconds" tour, treating fans to new and classic songs for the second time in just over seven months.

Frontman Cy Curnin and the band were in top form as they showcased several songs off the new album, "Every Five Seconds," which fit seamlessly with the band's slew of new wave hits.

Photo by Alexandra E. Andersen

Photo by Alexandra E. Andersen

The band opened with "Touch" and launched straight into a new song, "Take What You Want," before driving the crowd to dance and sing along to 1990s single "How Much Is Enough?"

The Fixx specializes in socially conscious music that moves the audience lyrically as well as rhythmically. On hits like "Stand Or Fall," Curnin speaks of "ugly scars" that divide a nation where "morale has hit rock bottom." The song's message is as timely as ever, and the music just as catchy. 

The band played five new songs in its 18-song setlist, the most classic-sounding being "Wake Up," which again mentions morale being down, this time in a "sleepy town."

"I heard somebody ran out," Curnin sings. "Somebody broke free / I hope they make it to tell them / We're suffocating and can't breathe."

Photo by Shannon Gunderson

Photo by Shannon Gunderson

The seemingly ageless Curnin delivers those poetic lyrics in an almost Shakespearian manner. And the band  the classic lineup of guitarist Jamie West-Oram, keyboardist Rupert Greenwall, drummer Adam Woods, and bassist Dan K. Brown  almost always lends a danceable groove to the oftentimes deep lyrics. 

The concert built as the band played its biggest hit, "One Thing Leads To Another." There were more hits to come  "Stand Or Fall," "Driven Out," and "Red Skies"  before the band returned for a dynamic encore.  Another new track, "Lonely As A Lighthouse," was followed by two more hits, "Saved By Zero" and "Secret Separation."

Photos above and at top by Christopher Windle

The Fixx shows no signs of slowing down in its 40-plus-year career. Though "Every Five Seconds" is the Fixx's first studio album in more than 10 years, the band is a touring mainstay, and its music remains relevant as well. 

"We still feel really honored to be together," Curnin recently told Forbes magazine. "We have so much unlived potential still that we're looking forward to keeping it going."