Mission of Burma's band history is somehow interesting. They came together in 1979, were active for only four years and broke up in 1983 after having released only one EP and one full length record. They reunited again in 2002 and have released four new records since then with the help of Bob Weston as additional member and sound engineer (yes, the Shellac Bob Weston). Their active years and releases had a huge impact on later bands and notable musicians, ranging from Fugazi to Sonic Youth or the Pixies, who all mentioned them as important influences. That being said, I have to admit that I not once listened to any of their newer (post reunion) records and only knew their 'original' material. So my expectations were a bit mixed, but since many bands lately proofed that 'reunions' don't have to go wrong, I was also rather excited to see them.
The opening band, Delta Love from Berlin, of which I had never heard before, started shortly after I entered the room. They are a guitar and drums duo that plays a very lo-fi and noisy version of something I'd call delta blues rock, so their name did fit indeed. They reminded me of some other lo-fi bands, think of a bluesy and dirtier sounding Woods including heavy reverbed vocals and guitar. I actually liked what they did but it didn't work for the whole set, so I watched the rest from the back. They finished playing and a sort of lengthy stage rebuild for Mission of Burma began.
