My Favorites My Home Page
 
Home Music Live Lifestyle My Planet
 
Change Background
You are here -> Live / Past Gigs Sunday, 06 July, 2008
PLANETNOTION TELEVISION!
INFO

You are browsing the gig reviews. Check out what was good and make sure you go next time.
RSS FEEDS
Subscribe Feeds
What is RSS?
The Great Escape Festival: A Diary Review!
The Great Escape Festival: A Diary Review!
29/05/2008
tags: | the great escape festival | vampire weekend | the ting tings | late of the pier | more...

Breakin' Convention: 'Hip Hop and Dance Performance' at Sadler's Wells
Breakin' Convention: 'Hip Hop and Dance Performance' at Sadler's Wells
21/05/2008
2008 marked the fifth year of the annual festival of hip-hop music and dance performance, Breakin’ Convention, at Sadler’s Wells theatre. A night predominantly based around urban music sub-genres and performances incorporating the dance that has evolved from them, the foyers of the London theatre were decorated with graffiti. Sure, Breakin’ Convention proved to be a mesmerising physical and visual display of acts as far and wide as South Korea and Brazil, but first and foremost its routes are deep-set in street culture. This was evident from the start; curator and director Jonzi D pumping-up the audience and bringing a well-respected; some might say classy theatre, an immediate indication of the party to come. And boy was this a party. To say Sadler’s Wells has never rocked so hard would be the wrong genre, but when over the course of three days you’ve got guys performing break-moves in the foyer, and Membros from Brazil showcasing a performance from the violence and drug-addled ghettoes of Rio de Janeiro on stage; pyrotechnics accompanying unbelievable, spine-tingling, insane, and extremely dangerous stunts, you’ve certainly never felt so compelled to move. See, the visual display is just part of Breakin' Convention, and the music that accompanies the performances is hot, rump-shaking stuff, that shouldn't be dismissed. In conclusion, the greatest aspect of this three day festival, over the May Bank Holiday, wasn’t just the music and performance (the photographs only tell half the story), but Breakin' Convention's ability to draw on such a deep range of emotion. From MacMillan’s Elite Syncopations creating an atmosphere of dance and revelry, to the unnerving intensity of the fascinating Mukhtar OS Mukhtar of Cirque du Soleil (think hip hop dance based on the mentally unstable). In a nut-shell, Breakin’ Convention has finished its fifth year with barely a wrinkle on it’s backbone. Whatever anti-aging cream they’re using to retain and improve such attractive features, I for one want a part of. See you next year, Jonz!
tags: | more...
'Smirnoff Electric Cabaret' featuring Pete & The Pirates, ABC Glasgow
'Smirnoff Electric Cabaret' featuring Pete & The Pirates, ABC Glasgow
12/05/2008
First up, Reading’s Pete & The Pirates tore unapologetically through their Little Death LP. With an unassuming aesthetic (no skinny jeans or haircuts here), the band’s raw sound and unabashed energy came somewhat unexpected, but were that much more delicious as a result. Followed by the more seasoned (and more skinny jean clad) Mystery Jets – themselves touring their “Twenty One” longplayer – there were more high-octane antics. No longer sporting the father-son combo with which they debuted (frontman Blaine’s father Henry now in a studio-only role), the Jets exuded a new-found dynamic; one characterised as much by charm as confidence. Next up, New Yong Pony Club’s Ty leapt on stage donning a top seemingly made out of thousands of silver washers, the sort of attire you can only pull off with headline billing; something she and the band have been growing into for the past 12 months. Now a cosy fit, she soon had the crowd chanting to an arsenal of future classics. Sandwiched between the bands was an intriguing mix of performers (human beatbox? Check. Hula girl? Check. Rock’n’roll trapeze double act?! Check) and some frankly bizarre goings on (man on stage paints portrait of Freddy Mercury upside down in the time it takes one Queen track to play). Such original episodes of tried and tested silliness (show me a man who doesn’t want to go home with an inflatable guitar?) gave far more than the recommended daily allowance of fun. Wrapping things up were the unlikely turntable tag-team of Breastfed honcho Linus Loves and half of Maximo Park. Now, whilst the merging of warm, electro-tinged 4/4 and Northern indie-popsters might sound like a riddle (it did to this scribe), the reality was akin to everyone being invited to a “back-to-mine” DJ-off at Senor Smirnoff’s gaff. Magic. Words: Nick Morgan
tags: | more...
Jam For Bread w/Beardy Man and Bonobo @ Shepherd's Bush Empire
Jam For Bread w/Beardy Man and Bonobo @ Shepherd's Bush Empire
07/05/2008
It's heartening to see such a stellar line-up from the quality left-of-centre music scene, performing for a good cause. Jam for Bread, at the Shepherd's Bush Empire, was all about supporting the ‘Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture’ and its related fundraising event, with Gilles Peterson hosting the proceedings that celebrated 60 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Headlining was Bonobo – Ninja Tune stalwarts that put on a solid performance and trotted out their classics like 'Ketto' with a full live band. Lou Rhodes, ex Lamb chanteuse, was highly anticipated but disappointing due to sound problems and it being just her and a mellow guitar as the penultimate act to a crowd ripe for serious revelling. It was the lesser-known acts of the night that proved the most exciting; Surrey's Jamie Woon brought the place to a standstill, his Timberlake-esque vocals soaring as he sampled and re-sampled himself, his guitar, and beatbox rhythms. His 'Spirits' tune is outstanding. South Londoner Tawiah also showed her unmistakable star quality, performing an acoustic set, her three tracks enough to proselytise the previously unconverted. 4Hero's Mark Mac did a nice drum 'n bass DJ set that cranked up the energy after a slightly pedestrian outing from dub reggae band the Soothsayers. He didn't have nearly enough time to attest the massive contribution he's made to the UK music scene, but it was enough to impress and pique interest. A generous and uplifting occasion. Words: Helene Dancer Photography: Mandy Taylor
tags: | jam for bread | more...
The Rage Into Spring w/The Crimea at Cargo!
The Rage Into Spring w/The Crimea at Cargo!
01/05/2008
The Rage Into Spring Cargo, Shoreditch Sometime back in April The Rage events have a philosophy. The kind of philosophy that garners one of two reactions. There’s no in-between, no but; it’s either “that’s good” or “that’s bad”. Those that say The Rage is good are people who like to sip champagne, munch on posh nibbles and sway gently to cutting sounds secure in the knowledge that they are “one”. Maybe they have an inner rock demon fighting to break free with a twenty-four carat pitchfork and a penis like a pen-knife; who knows? Alas, at The Rage these people are made to feel special; part of a selective almost exclusive sect. The people who say that The Rage is “bad” are people who feel hard done by when they’re not granted access to the selective ‘mature’ sect because (A) they can’t afford it due to (B) a job that churns their guts about like a cement mixer which (C) leads to giddiness and projectile vomiting; probably because (D) they spent their meagre wages at a club called ‘Tiger Tiger’ or ‘The Blue Fountain’ that has a special deal on cocktail pitchers, including ‘Blackcurrant Bum Fuck’ and ‘Orange Cum Sunshine’. Or they could just be too young as The Rage events are strictly for a “mature audience”. Anyway, I went to The Rage’s first event of the year, The Rage Into Spring, and despite feeling somewhat out of my depth because (A) I can’t afford such things - (E) came into the equation – (E) being the fact I’m a journalist with powers of persuasion and flattery that continue to astound. To pen a modern phrase: “I blagged my way in”. An initial reaction: Everyone looks very smart. A second reaction: Good god man, you’re a fish out of water. Alas, we go to these things for the music not for a set dress code. Besides scratch beneath the suits, shirts, and fancy skirts and you’ll find there are people just like you whose clothes look worn and are there for the music too. ‘The Rage Into Spring’ had an eclectic bill, breaking talent that “can be appreciated by the more mature attendee” and acts familiar “with a more mature attendee”. Close friends of Hadouken! – The Clik Clik were there; a band (3 guys + 1 gal) who are rapidly gaining popularity and recognition with a couple of upcoming dates on the festival circuit. Championed by circles of the music press, with a firm fanbase and distinct sound, “Post-punk band” The Crimea were also on the bill. Though whether such a sound can be described as “Post-punk” is debatable… And a few of the more obscure acts like ‘Tom Hatred and The Angry Band’ and ‘Tom Yuli’ were playing on the night. Let’s be quick about this: Tom Hatred and The Angry Band should be watched with an eagle eye (V.good). The Crimea were exceptional. And our party missed The Clik Clik and Tom Yuli because we were fashionably late. But hey, if God intended us to be perfect there wouldn’t be pillaging, mugging, rape, murder, stabbings, shootings, and fungal foot rot. I managed to catch a few words with The Crimea’s bass player Joe Udwin. I was after a reaction, an opinion, a view on playing to such an exclusive ‘mature’ audience: “We knew what to expect and we knew what we were expecting would be good,” said Joe. “It’s great”, he continued. “To be honest, the age group doesn’t make it any different to any other gig I’ve been to. There are probably just less smuggled in bottles of cider”. Indeed… Joe was right. Nobody at The Rage would smuggle in a packet of painkillers, let alone a bottle of cider. The most they’d probably stretch to would be a Cuban cigar rolled on the thigh of a virgin. The Rage events are full to the brim with over twenties describing the ‘full-bodied’ flavour of their wine and the ‘delicate texture’ of their meat (dish). Hell, even the people were friendly and - by god, that wasn’t expected. An attractive girl from Sweden, a PR guy, a journalist, a guy simply here to see the bands - all talking, mingling and sharing the scene as one. To borrow a quote from the American self-help luminary Wayne Dyer: “Judgement prevents us from seeing the good that lies beyond appearances”. In conclusion: The Rage events may be somewhat exclusive - where people wear perfume, aftershave and sip champagne with an elegance ‘unfamiliar’ to those who “fiddle with stem” and “down like sun-drenched Cowboy”. But at heart it’s a great event, with great music, and great people. An event that those ‘unfamiliars’ should attempt to attend in their quest to feel “special” and become “one” (if not for the limitless Jack Daniels, live bands, and attractive Swedes). Words: Dangerous For info on The Rage visit: www.therage.tv The Rage On In Summer: 2nd July The Rage Through Autumn: 8th October The Rage Out In Winter: 11th December
tags: | more...
Method Man and Redman at Shepherd's Bush Empire
Method Man and Redman at Shepherd's Bush Empire
22/04/2008
Method Man and Redman Shepherd’s Bush Empire There's chemistry, and then there's the explosive combination of Method Man and Redman, who ripped up the stage with such force the place was filled to the rafters with people throwing their hands up Wu-Tang style as the duo trotted out all the classics. There was Meth's 'Bring the Pain', 'Method Man', a Wu-Tang moment with 'Wu-Tang Clan ain't nuttin to f*ck wit', Redman's genius 'Smoke Buddha' off the Muddy Waters album, and lots from their 1999 Blackout! album, naturally. 'Da Rockwilder' tore the roof off in particularly violent fashion. Rumour has it, a second album's on its way, along with ‘How High 2’ – the sequel to their film released in 2001. There was a shout-out to ODB too, Meth giving the man props in a spangly Wu-Tang t-shirt and Funk Doctor Spock raising his hands in appreciation. They may be highly charged individuals who pull no punches, but they're proud and professional, putting on a show tighter than their verbal sparring without a hint of filler in sight. Refreshing and too much fun. Words: Helene Dancer
tags: | method man | more...
Lupe Fiasco at KOKO, April 2nd
Lupe Fiasco at KOKO, April 2nd
14/04/2008
Lupe Fiasco KOKO April 2nd April 2008 Lupe Fiasco has been called everything from a lyricist to a terrorist. The one word you wouldn't associate with him is energetic. But you wouldn't think that on the evidence of this gig, as he leaps around the stage, his energy so infectious that the audience forgets he was an hour late. Lupe’s energy spills over into every song and none more so than ‘American Terrorist’. Allusions to George W. Bush drew the loudest cheers of the night, which in turn drew one of his best performances. Every word was said with so much passion you wouldn't believe Lupe was accused of being lethargic a couple of years ago. He makes full use of the stage, dancing like James Brown impersonating a pastor; adopting The Godfather of Soul’s routine of using the mic stand as a dancing prop, before leaping onto some speakers during a band instrumental. Lupe's six-piece band is extremely strong, making each song fuller rather than making them sound like demo versions. They even go into a neo-soul breakdown at the end of ‘Sunshine’ that wouldn't be out of place on an Erykah Badu album. There were some faults with the band approach, ‘Dumb It Down’ was spoiled by a wailing guitar, but these were minor in a gig that could easily turn a sceptic to a fan. From the double time rapping of ‘The Cool’ to the acoustic version of ‘Superstar’, it's clear that Lupe has grown since the ‘Food & Liquor’ days and is now a fully fledged performer. And all the better for it. Words: Jason Dike / Photography: Uzo Oleh
tags: | lupe fiasco | more...
NEWSLETTER!
Click here and sign up to our weekly newsletter, to get the latest Notion goodness.
Contact Us Support Us Music HQ Ltd / Notion
Site Map Advertise with Us Website designed and developed by PS Europe Ltd.