Set the scene, the grand former Victorian theatre, with stalls rammed and the circles lined with people and taking centre stage is a menacing figure lurching vigorously as if conducting some demoniac ritual. Daedelus looks like he’s from the same era as the venue, dressed in a tatty three-piece suit complete with muttonchops. In front of him, at his mercy, is a medley of complex control interfaces which have backlit buttons arranged in a grid that flash like a 2001 space odyssey computer. He systematically toggles the appropriate buttons, which adds a new sample to the already manic ensemble. This occurs in rapid succession and each time he does it, he gesticulates like an orchestral conductor and pulls an ominous facial expression, similar to Jack Nicolson in The Shining. Behind him are stacks of convex mirrors which move independently, reflecting the projected light behind Daedelus, silhouetting him. The music is a mash-up of the highest complexity, chopping and changing every other bar. Although it is hard to say, I would describe it as having a constant up-tempo minimal tech undercurrent with massive dubstep-esque synths, hip-hop breaks along with Daedelus’ own brand of glitch. Clearly his technical production abilities translate well into an intricate and diverse live show. However, he definitely geared the set up to be filthier and more danceable but not necessarily more accessible. I’m not saying he was playing to the crowd at all, it was still abstract, but his album material is more down-tempo and atmospheric. Oh and it was a lot, lot louder. It looked as though Deadelus thoroughly enjoyed rattling everyone’s innards almost to the point of vomiting. On the contrary, everyone including myself enjoyed his set and if you get a chance, make sure you go and see him.
Islet @ Undertone // Cardiff // 23.05.11
Islet are a band shrouded in such mystery, who do not actively pursue extensive means of promotion or engage in any activity that does not agree with the bands ethos: 'to act in a way that people we admire do, to be true to ourselves, our ideals and beliefs. Which are mainly to enjoy being in a band!'. Considering this, Islet have managed to attract a lot of attention through eccentric live performances and sporadic releases of EPs, earning them a spot at Primevera Sound festival in Barcelona.
Their gig at undertone on Monday was the third I have seen, each with different levels of manic. The first time was the last act of Swn festival and was by far the most manic, with the floor of the Model Inn feeling like it was going to cave and the members of Islet climbing on the speakers and banging their sticks on the roof. The second was at Clwb Ifor Bach and was the least manic as their was a metaphorical barrier between audience and band maybe due to the bigger venue. In response to this, a gig and the gritty, sweaty, cramped setting of Undertone was anticipated to be very manic.
There is no ignoring Islets stage presence: somewhere between fear, respect and intrigue are my feelings as they beat the drum rims in a primeval manner whilst bouncing around the room (How they bounce so high I'm not sure). The band switches instruments when they fancy which shows their free flowing approach to music and it gives the impression that everything happens by chance and luckily, by chance, its bloody good. Sometimes the guy with the handlebar mustache comes bounding into the crowd chanting their tribal song, head banging and knocking peoples drinks all over the place. The crowds reaction to this is interesting, some find it amusing and some are just plain frightened. Unfortunately everyone was too nervous to start bouncing around with Islet and generally going mental, like Islet. It's not the standard of music wasn't good enough, just people we're intimidated by their unusual approach to live music. In terms of the actual performance, it was spectacular and I can't wait to see them again.
Dinky @ The Backrooms // Cardiff // 5.02.11
ENTER THE VOID
Photography: Sam Strivens
You enter the grand, pillared, grade-II listed building of the old bank to find nothing but a big empty space, the remains of what was once a busy Natwest. Walk through the space in the direction of a small side door and the low frequency rumble. Through the door you'll find white tiled walls and green neon lights, reminiscent of a mental asylum. Down the stairs is the vault; cages where riches were once kept have become a dance floor. At the front, Dinky is behind the turntables playing an unreal tech-house set.
If you haven't been to the Backrooms and you live in Cardiff, it's a must. Actually that goes if you don't live in Cardiff aswell. It's on only once a month and tickets sell out fast. It used to be a spot for illegal free parties and I don't think much has changed since its legalisation apart from it doesn't get shut down by the plod. Makeshift bars and few creature comforts are all signs and provide an atmosphere unlike any other club in Cardiff.
Next month its Levon Vincent, check the Facebook page
Dinky - Acid In My Fridge
Benni Hemm Hemm @ Buffalo / Cardiff / 28.01.11
Last Friday I had the pleasure of seeing Benni Hemm Hemm live at Buffalo Bar in Cardiff. To some up the gig in one word: Melancholy (but in the best way possible). Who said melancholy is bad anyway, I like melancholy. Sometimes I'm melancholy and I even like saying the word, it sounds nice. The trio that make up the brass section looked bored to the point of tears, raising their gaze from the floor only to play a high note on the trombone or trumpet (The girl on the french horn only changed position to empty a globule of spit from the valve). The drummer however, he was great, he had the comedy drummer facial expressions down to a tee.
Front man Benedikt H. Hermannsson has a truly amazing voice and is incredible on the guitar. The number of members at his shows range from 3 to 40 so this particular event was towards the bottom of that spectrum. Between songs he showed himself to be quite the comedian, in his own melancholy way. The band finished the gig with a great freak out and quick exit. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was enthralled by the level of respect the population of Buffalo offered. Here is a beautiful video from their latest album Retaliate.
Sŵn Festival / Cardiff / Oct 21-23
The 4th celebration of live music courtesy of Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephans. Sŵn is pronounced 'soon' and it means sounds in Welsh. It takes place over a number of venues throughout Cardiff with each one providing a different atmosphere. This year saw Mancunian synthy indie band Egyptian Hip Hop, the distorted moody drone of Swans and an acoustic set from Cardiff's Kids in Glass Houses amoung many others. Sŵn gives a much needed injection of live music to a predominately dubstep raving student base. Only at festivals can you experience such a broad range of music and how lovely it is to have one in your own city during out of festie term time. Unfortunately I couldn't make the Thursday Here is a quick run down of some of the musical delights that I witnessed over the weekend.
Friday
Plyci
Cardiff Arts Institute kicked off Fridays Proceedings with some very interesting experimental dance music. Each bringing their own various sampler equipment. The north Walian Plyci came to the stage bringing his heavy saw tooth electro that chops and changes so much that it could be IDM. He finished off with a harmonious ambient song called Flump that has a floaty piano over Aphex-esque glitches, a really nice song that you can check out on his MYSPACE
Dam Mantle
Now this guy is a strange lad from Glasgow. The music is hectic, his movements even more erratic. He plays live guitar, sings live, bangs on a drum whilst looping it all and the result is a similar breed of music to Gold Panda. However, it wasn't quite there on the live performance, at times it could be abit of a mess, off time bangs on a single tom at random became abit annoying. There is alot of potential and the recorded stuff on his myspace is much more together and worth a listen.
Dam Mantle - Theater
Quinoline Yellow
Once a food colouring that has now been banned has taken the form of glitchy IDM. Some serious production going on here but unfortunately technical difficulties meant that literally everything was peaking and distorting. A somewhat disheartened Luke Williams at one point even left his decks to come out to the crowd to check that he wasn't imagining it. He played out the set and at some points you could hear some real genius and sometimes the distortion actually worked with the track. Anyway there's no distortion on the recorded stuff so check it.
Quinoline Yellow - Off Ground Touch
The Keys
Cardiff bred 60's garage rock band filled Y Fuwch Goch to capacity and were a great laugh. Sounded similar to Band of Skulls and BRMC at parts. At one point there was a progressive middle 8, almost post rock like which I thoroughly enjoyed. Trying to revive 60's rock could be dangerously tacky like a night out at Flares maybe but this payed off. Its not an attempt at going back in time, more an adaptation of the past. Check out the nice summery tune called Fire Inside on the Myspace.
The Keys Myspace
Saturday
Alphabet Backwards
Well if like me you were hanging from Friday, Alphabet Backwards tried to pick you up at CAI with some happy synth pop. The guy on the old school 80's synths was the real talent and also the drummer was remarkable especially for an indie pop band. There is a male and a female singer who had a strange relationship as it appeared the lyrics were about each other yet there was not much interaction between them. There were some lyrical issues aswell, one song was actually about Primark. Although a good singer, his cockney was abit too Ordinary Boys for me but I wont be too harsh as they were entertaining.
Alphabet Backwards Myspace
Tom Gray
One of the highlights of the festie was Tom Gray from Gomez. A very likable musician who provided not only great acoustic versions of Gomez songs but also humoured the audience with his dry wit and anecdotes. I think CAI was a perfect venue for him as the chemistry between him and the crowd was jovial and removed any awkwardness an intimate venue can have. He helped to laugh off the hangover and set me up for the rest of the days adventures.
Gomez Myspace
Magic Kids
All the way from Memphis Tennessee this young surf pop band look set to be following in The Drums footsteps who interestingly played at Sŵn festival last year.
Magic Kids - Summer
A little treat was install for all who could make it into the cramped Model Inn. The last band of the event were suitably chosen to make swn go out with a bang. The atmosphere was one of anticipation as Islet are a well established Cardiff band and I think most people knew what to expect. It was loud, really loud, and very exciting. Its hard to say 'front man' as everyone switches instruments and roles but the curly haired guy from Attack and Defend was the most energetic, climbing on the speakers, jumping off the walls, drumming on the ceiling beams, the lot. The band is quite percussion orientated with various members banging away whilst jumping around on their feet. The crowd were right involved, in unison with the band, moshing appropriately at each crescendo and waiting anxiously in the high tension interludes. A hugely exciting band that are definately going places.
Islet - Ringerz
Islet - Iris
Toro Y Moi @ Cardiff Arts Institute W/ Seams
Toro Y Moi
Chaz Bundick appeared reserved and shy, almost embarrassed by his soft, almost angelic voice. Between songs was silent, a few mumbles from the crowd as the venue is quite intimate with a low capacity. This made it hard for Chaz to really communicate with the audience. But despite this there was chemistry, maybe down to respect to such an interesting bunch of artists. Neither of them look like world touring musicians, more 'yeh I play in a band with my mates and occasionally we get a gig down the local' type folk. But then comes the music, layers and layers of sound from his keyboard and sampler which Chaz stabbed at with fast repetition. These sounds sometimes built up too much and interfered to detrimental effect, maybe due to the venues acoustics.
The set was quite gig friendly and almost didn't do justice to the album; it sounded more stereotypically "indie" as opposed to refreshing and inventive. Having said this they played my favorite song 'You Hid' and 'Low Shoulder' got me dancey and consequently I can't stop playing it. He also played a new one off his forthcoming album that was really funky and got the audience very enthusiastic. And obviously 'Blessa' was thoroughly enjoyable.
I caught up with Chaz afterwards and was surprised to find him packing up merchandise. He is very softly spoken and friendly. He informed me that his new album is due in February and that there is more to come from his side project Les Sins.
Seams
Well its fair to say I was left shocked and almost bemused at what I had just witnessed after Seams captivated each and everyones mind in the warm up act. I like James Welch's style, head down, concentrating on the many tasks he is performing on the various flashing lights and knobs. Occasionally he will pick up the mic and produce lifting soothing vocals before looping them. The music is ambient with hints of IDM which apparently documents his various travels, life in Berlin and night cycling. Although he told me he is meant to be getting his degree at Birmingham Uni, the fact he is playing with the likes of Toro and Teengirl Fantasy shows that even he can't ignore his potential. I bought his tape and have been playing it constantly. Here is one of his tracks:
Hung Markets by seams
Bestival
Bestival 2010 was, like last year, an absolute stonker. Lot's of strange (not necessarily good) fancy dress and enough gurned messes to chew up every bit of grass on the site. It seemed more hectic this year, I think due to increasing popularity and the rain on saturday fucked everyones shit up abit. As always there was a good stomp to be had in Bollywood tent and as always it was a sauna. Here I sweated to the likes of electro master Jack Beats and drum and bass legend High Contrast. Arcadia was banging, Joker and Audio Bullys were memorable, just. Prodigy on the main stage (Which was in a far better location) was class, Keith Flint being his usual terrifying self and a visual display to match. I was very happy to hear them play tunes from 'Fat of the Land' and 'The Jilted Generation' such as 'Their Law', 'Voodoo People' and 'Breathe'. Anyway I'm not going to do a full review as I'm sure if you didn't go, you're bored to shit of hearing about it from your mates.
I am however going to write about my 3 favorite acts that I saw over the weekend.
3. Submotion Orchestra
SO, Sunday midday, thought it would be nice to start the days proceedings off with some jazz and wondered down to Chai Wallah tent to see Portico Quartet. After waiting ages for them to set up I noticed that there was a female vocalist. This seemed to be a bit strange as on their albums I had never heard singing. Then they started playing and it was definitely NOT jazz . But still I thought, oh great Portico Quartet are playing a dubby trip hop set with a guest singer. Nono, it was infact Submotion Orchestra and what a lovely surprise they turned out to be.
The song started out very ambient with a heavily vibrato-ed electric piano and loose hi-hat work, with singer Ruby Wood soulfully playing with the songs lyrics. Then a break and then a very simple but hugely effective 'sub' bass plays along with full drums and added trumpet forming a crescendo that made everybody sway like they were having spiritually uplifting moment. Anyway check them out, I reckon they will be playing with the likes of Thievery Corporation in no time.
All Night by Submotion Orchestra by Ranking Records
2. Mount Kimbie
WHATGODS, unfortunately only saw the last 20 minutes from the back but what I witnessed took me too that 'other place' that hippies keep going on about. If you haven't checked out Kimbie's LP Crooks and Lovers, do, it's a must. The duo perform a live act, so its not just like being played your iTunes library back to you. The somewhat distant sounding long synth chords, intricate percussion which sounds like dripping water and heavily modulated vocals make for a euphoric experience. When they played 'Maybes' everyone was definetaly up in their head, probably close to the point of tears. An ambient journey away from the muddy field outside. I don't know where this magical place is but I know I want to visit Mount Kimbie again.
Mount Kimbie - Before I Move Off
1. Fever Ray
I LOVE YOU KARIN ANDERSSON. I made sure I was right at the front for this one, copious amounts of dry ice and tens of living room table lamps make the eery stage. The mist clears as the music builds and there is a silhouette of a very disguised Karin as a big, well, Totem Pole. The other musicians also wore frightening masks and lurched aggressively at you as if in a mosh pit. Opened with Triangle Walks and let me tell you, there is nothing as heart wrenching, as boner inducing as when you hear her voice live for the first time. Karin fucked my ears and she fucked them good. I love the 80's feel of this song with the claps and poppy synth. Those synthesized drums with her dreamy pitch-shifting voice remind me of a Cocteau Twins number. Also Karin and Liz sound similar no? The dark male sounding vocals are even more haunting live as on the record. This combined with the stage set and universal appreciation of the audience made a deeply moving, theatrical performance that I will never forget. If you have the opportunity to go and see Fever Ray, do everything in your power to get that ticket. Unfortunately this will be difficult seeing as Karin has put an end to the project. Gutted.
Fever Ray - Concrete Walls
