A relaxed but not complacent introduction. Drummer & guitarist only, onstage. Seemingly dawdling doodling,
almost as if it's a bit of a warm up. But it isn't. Now there's the harmonica adding to
the effect; more and more players - and layers - being added. Then there're in full
flow and we are caught in the wake produced by Indigo Jones, and no one is
complaining.
It's a simmering cauldron of influences; a bit of blues, possibly some Cajun, tainted
with rock'n'rock, that alternatively boils into life then settles down to serene confusion
Dressed in black, full of energy, bouncing around the stage this 4 piece named
Obsession try hard to get the crowd on their feet. If effort gained worthy admiration
then this lot would be well on their way to success, but something is missing. Maybe
the content needs to be built upon to match the style.
Take a leaf from Tsuji Giri. Improbably meek and mild off stage, but with a guitar
strapped on, they explode into vibrant, colorful life with `Air'. Twisted bodies,
fearsome yet gripping noises, this is a fiery display that forces you to take notice, to
find out what is going on, to make you want you more.
Ripping the strings from his guitar, slamming it to the
stage, Martin Greenwood takes everything in his stride,
picking up another guitar and continuing on in his dueling with fellow comrades Danny
Saul & Ivan Hall, with Phil Constandine driving them on from behind the drums
Then they finish with a polite, quietly spoken `Cheers' and exit stage left. PS Martin,
Wonky Alice were great on Friday
To the `main event', although no band should be considered better than the other, but
tonight is the 100TH gig that Loafer (including a previous reincarnation as Fleece) have
put on. Inspired by -rather than in awe of- the Giri, Julian, Kester & Co rip into their
opening 3 numbers at breakneck pace.
Fingers blur across guitars, keyboards and drums as already pacy ditties such as `Lost In
Euston' and `Billy Slag' crash from the speakers to sweep up the remnants of anything thing that may have been left
in the wake of the other bands. Putting their (relatively) energetic appearance down to a healthy diet based on daily
doses of `Billy Slag', sampling the views of `Sunshine Over Mornington Crescent ' with the occasion detour down
Motown lane, Here's hoping to the next 100 gigs
PS They are still waiting for their telegram from the Queen
Tsuji Giri CD's out now `Dead Ivan Grove' & "Carnivores":