Dance is as much a part of the performance as Byrne’s signature talking-style delivery of vocals and the skilled playing of the instruments. There are no speakers, monitors, or amps of any kind visible, yet the sounds emanating from the stage are enormous, as is the impact of the performance, which has a lot more in common with musical theatre than a rock ‘n’ roll gig.

Byrne’s extensive, multi-generational, multi-cultural band are also similarly attired in grey suits with bare feet, their instruments strapped to their bodies marching band style. His jacket features three layered pockets on each side that give the impression of fish gills. The barefoot Byrne is dressed in a grey-tone suit that matches his curtains. The one-time frontman for the pioneering avant-garde group, Talking Heads, is no stranger to unconventional presentation. This is the setting upon which David Byrne is staging the live show for his latest solo album, American Utopia. These shimmer like raindrops, receding into the background when necessary and becoming part of the performance the rest of the time. The entirely bare stage is lined on three sides by silvery grey beaded curtains.

There is nothing on stage at the Shrine Auditorium that indicates a rock show will be taking place-not even an art rock show.

Shrine expo hall reviews