A projection asking “Who gives a fuck about The Jesus and Mary Chain?” flashed in front of Stubb’s audience as The Jesus and Mary Chain made their way on stage — a question answered with raucous applause. 

As one of the more obscure alternative rock groups to emerge from the genre’s rise in the mid-1980s, The Jesus and Mary Chain displayed the musical prowess that comes with a nearly 40-year career. Christening the Stubb’s stage for the beginning of Levitation’s 2022 residency, the Scottish rock group headed by brothers Jim and William Reid fiddled with their respective instruments as high-pitched distortion gave way to the opening chords of “Amputation,” one of several tracks played off their most recent studio endeavor, Damage and Joy, released in 2017.

Thursday’s set showcased the droning guitars and occasional crunchy distortion that garnered the band acclaim upon the release of their debut album, Psychocandy. Jim Reid’s subdued monotone vocals proved to age masterfully as he commanded the audience with an aura of subtle authority, grooving to the booming drums of tracks like “April Skies.” Though a more reserved crew cut replaced his signature tousled hair from the 1980s, Reid continued to channel the same passion and intonation as his younger self. 

A wave of LED screens swept across Stubb’s as fans pulled out their phones in an attempt to record the band’s biggest hit, “Just Like Honey,” made popular by its inclusion in Sofia Coppola’s “Lost in Translation.” The thundering kick drum and muted bassline served as the silky smooth foundation for the distorted roar of William Reid’s guitar. Automatic lead vocalist Izzy Glaudini joined the group to sing backing vocals during the track’s chorus. 

The Jesus and Mary Chain stands as Levitation’s so-called “classic pick” this year — and for a good reason. The sheer size of the crowd gathered at Stubb’s to hear the pristine vocals and instrumentation of the Reid brothers proves The Jesus and Mary Chain’s staying power.