Those expecting arena-filling anthemics and hurdy-gurdy interludes may have been disappointed by the Arcade Fire drummer's solo set. But for those with more adventurous musical tastes may have enjoyed the ambient/noise electronics on offer here.
Monday, May 22, 2017
KISHI BASHI (London Oslo, 14/05/17)
Kaoru Ishibashi may lack the technical razzle-dazzle of some of his other loop-pedalling violinist peers, but he's definitely the best showman of them all. His acoustic encore with Tall Tall Trees in the middle of the venue was delightful, and the rest of the set weren't too shabby either.
Kaoru Ishibashi may lack the technical razzle-dazzle of some of his other loop-pedalling violinist peers, but he's definitely the best showman of them all. His acoustic encore with Tall Tall Trees in the middle of the venue was delightful, and the rest of the set weren't too shabby either.
TOUMANI DIABATE (London Barbican, 13/05/17)
Thirty years ago, a young kora player from Mali met up with some flamenco artists from Spain in a bar in London. Despite the language barriers, they ended up jamming and so was born the project that became known as "Songhai". In truth, I've never been into the Spanish guitar thing that much, but the glistening majesty of the kora added an element of magic to proceedings, though I wish the Malian influence had crept in a little more prominently at times.
Thirty years ago, a young kora player from Mali met up with some flamenco artists from Spain in a bar in London. Despite the language barriers, they ended up jamming and so was born the project that became known as "Songhai". In truth, I've never been into the Spanish guitar thing that much, but the glistening majesty of the kora added an element of magic to proceedings, though I wish the Malian influence had crept in a little more prominently at times.
THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS (London Electric Ballroom, 09/05/17)
I've said this time and time again, but the New Pornos are the platonic ideal for no-nonsense "play the hits" indie bands. They don't have an over-awing stage presence or state-of-the-art visuals, but what they do have is a formidable back catalogue, verve, and a lot of musical talent- and at the end of the day, what else do you really need?
I've said this time and time again, but the New Pornos are the platonic ideal for no-nonsense "play the hits" indie bands. They don't have an over-awing stage presence or state-of-the-art visuals, but what they do have is a formidable back catalogue, verve, and a lot of musical talent- and at the end of the day, what else do you really need?
CHILLY GONZALES (London Barbican, 29/04/17)
I rarely listen to his recorded stuff, but there's few live artistes more downright entertaining than the man they call "Chilly" Gonzales, whose melding of recital, musical theory lecture and comic revue reached a new peak with "The Young-Ish Person's Guide To The Orchestra." I mean, I can't think of many other orchestral performances that successfully incorporate "Champagne Supernova", a Britney Spears/Psycho soundtrack mashup, Iron Maiden riffs, Dr Dre and the entire London Symphony Orchestra performing jumping jacks...but then again, I am somewhat of a philistine.
I rarely listen to his recorded stuff, but there's few live artistes more downright entertaining than the man they call "Chilly" Gonzales, whose melding of recital, musical theory lecture and comic revue reached a new peak with "The Young-Ish Person's Guide To The Orchestra." I mean, I can't think of many other orchestral performances that successfully incorporate "Champagne Supernova", a Britney Spears/Psycho soundtrack mashup, Iron Maiden riffs, Dr Dre and the entire London Symphony Orchestra performing jumping jacks...but then again, I am somewhat of a philistine.
PHARMAKON (London Electrowerkz, 25/04/17)
The noise a Fox news anchor hears when Obama opens his mouth. Marginally less apocalyptic without the percussive sheets of metal, Sadako-esque prowling and self-immolating speakers that so memorably featured at her Dome show, but even so, few can top Margaret Chardiet for raw-throated, eardrum-pulverising intensity.
The noise a Fox news anchor hears when Obama opens his mouth. Marginally less apocalyptic without the percussive sheets of metal, Sadako-esque prowling and self-immolating speakers that so memorably featured at her Dome show, but even so, few can top Margaret Chardiet for raw-throated, eardrum-pulverising intensity.
THE BOY LEAST LIKELY TO (London Lexington, 24/04/17)
It cannot be denied that "The Boy Least Likely To" experience is a fundamentally twee one. There's glockenspiels and guiros, and multi-coloured balloons, and irrepressibly upbeat melodies that wouldn't seem out of place in a "Mr Tumble" feature. But whilst many bands of that ilk ultimately become cloying, these guys have retained their charm over years thanks to their low-key cynicism, excellent musicianship and an awareness that gimmickry is no substitute for a good tune. Lovely stuff.
It cannot be denied that "The Boy Least Likely To" experience is a fundamentally twee one. There's glockenspiels and guiros, and multi-coloured balloons, and irrepressibly upbeat melodies that wouldn't seem out of place in a "Mr Tumble" feature. But whilst many bands of that ilk ultimately become cloying, these guys have retained their charm over years thanks to their low-key cynicism, excellent musicianship and an awareness that gimmickry is no substitute for a good tune. Lovely stuff.
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