Martin Fry and his band ABC are a testament to the enduring power of pop music. At 68, Fry is still making the case that his band should have been regarded as one of British pop's greats all along. ABC's performance at the Kelvingrove Bandstand in Glasgow was a masterclass in why they were always rather more interesting than their shiny suits and synthesised grooves might have suggested. The set was a glorious trawl through a catalogue that deserves to be taken much more seriously than a simple nostalgia trip. ABC's music is a unique blend of funk, soul, disco, and synthesised pop, with clever, literate, and often wonderfully memorable lyrics. Fry's songs are too ambitious for the typical three-single-and-a-chorus template, and ABC's music is too sophisticated to be simply a pop band. They occupied their own wonderfully shiny corner of British music, and Fry proved that corner is still worth visiting. ABC's ability to combine romantic melancholy with a beat that demands movement is what makes them stand out. Their songs have characters, plots, heartbreak, revenge, and emotional twists, making them almost cinematic. ABC's music is a timeless blend of sophistication and fun, and their performance at the Kelvingrove Bandstand was a testament to their enduring appeal. In my opinion, ABC should have been regarded as one of British pop's greats all along, and their music is still very much present and correct.
