Loop Collective at The Forge
As The Kentishtowner’s new music writer, is there a better way to start my column than with a spot of jazz?
Perhaps. But with the London Jazz Festival in full flow, Wednesday I found myself ensconced in the rather cosy bar at The Forge. Tucked neatly behind the Blues Kitchen, it’s far more sophisticated than that stretch of Camden High Street. I was there to see Loop Collective, or to be more precise, a couple of members of the 20-strong group.
First up was Simmons/Dangerfield, a collaboration between Rory Simmons and Fyfe Dangerfield (of Guillemots and John Lewis ad fame). What they presented was at times strikingly beautiful, like a soundtrack to a cross-country train journey, all soft pianos and skilled trumpet work from Simmons. Slightly incongruous use of keyboard samples (think cheesy sound effects, including laughs), but the appearance of an old tape player was oddly charming, especially mid-set when Dangerfield rooted through the pile of cassettes on the floor. And the speed-altered tapes added a welcome edge to the performance.
After Simmons/Dangerfield, it was the turn of Mirror. Keyboardist/composer Dan Nicholls delivered his vibrant compositions full of force, for sure. But were the messages conveyed through the use of visuals, about the role of mass-media and news reportage, convincing? I’m not sure, yet watching the skill and synchronization of the band was entrancing. Nicholls’ compositions were wonderfully intricate, too; and seeing as well as listening to this intricacy, at a venue as intimate as The Forge, made the whole performance even more powerful.
Woodkid at Queen Elizabeth Hall
Venue-wise, the following evening was the antithesis to the Forge. After a brief half hour wait in the wrong seats at the wrong venue (good work, ticket checkers!) we took a rightful pew in Queen Elizabeth Hall to watch Lyon native Yohann Lemoine, otherwise known by his stage name Woodkid. A 900-strong crowd versus the 40 odd of the night before, coupled with the innumerable strobe lights and fog machine, suggested a differing perspective of the Festival tonight. (I have to add that never before have I genuinely feared I was going to have a strobe light-induced seizure, either).
With a background directing videos for Lana Del Rey, Rihanna and Katy Perry, a visual spectacle was on the cards and thankfully, both vocals and music lived up to the displays, each track from his forthcoming album both captivating and infectious. Lemoine’s ability to switch from soft, soulful tones to all-out power – such as in audience favourite Run Boy Run – suggests big things are to come. Often talking to the audience between songs, he seemed humbled by the experience; most definitely one to watch. And, Kentishtowners, the good news is you can: he’s next on at the Roundhouse, in May 2013.
Words: Conor Fisk
Bands (of all genres): would you like Conor to come and see your show? Email us at info@kentishtowner.co.uk
