Having heard Rhode Island’s Lightning Bolt’s studio recordings, I was extremely excited to witness their brand of rhythmic experimental noise first hand.
The opening act was London based Pseudo Nippon backed up by his colourful band of amphibious/mammal creatures. Presenting themselves dressed as what can only described as two frogs and two pandas/ flying squirrels, they certainly get everyone going with their brand of infectious danceable electro. The crowd expressions soon change from slightly confused smirks to smiling nodding heads of genuine enjoyment. Pseudo’s comical banter and his dancers (known as Trex and Wiggly worm) ploughing into the crowd to offer high fives and hugs really engages everyone into party spirit. Despite some technical issues, they give a very enjoyable performance with drummer Colden Drystone laying down some interesting and innovative rhythms.
Next on are headliners Lightning Bolt, a stark contrast to the fun and frolics of their main support. As they have now become renowned for, Lightning Bolt play their set in the middle of the crowd which immediately gives a very intimate feel to the show. Having cleared some bodies out of their way they crash into their first track, whipping the crowd into a chaotic muddle of flailing limbs. The crowds vigorous appreciation does cause technical problems with the drum kit being regularly stampeded by the gyrating masses. They are at one point forced to stop mid-track as one fan, pint in hand, flies into bass player Brian Gibson, disconnecting his effects pedals. This was met with an aggressive shove and a shout from the bassist, this incident needless to say was not repeated for the rest of the set.
To describe Lightning Bolt’s overall live sound as loud would be an incredible understatement. I personally was still hearing their battering aural assault for 3 days after the gig. I particularly enjoyed seeing some very young, rather clean cut boys at the front of the crowd covering their ears with very pained expressions on their faces. Despite drummer Brian Chippendale’s quite dazzling pummelling assault on his drum kit, he his considerably overshadowed by Brian Gibson’s phenomenal bass noise. This is not surprising as he runs his hybrid bass (a five string bass with 3 bass strings and 2 guitar strings) and array of effects through his own substantial PA system. After a few tunes their driving, grinding wall of noise becomes incredibly immersive and quite hypnotic, with their set of over an hour seeming to pass in an instant. As their set draws to a close, I can’t help but feel that their studio recordings truly do not do their live performance justice, the type of noise they make really needs to be attacking you that loud for the cathartic experience that they create in the live environment.
This was an excellent night of very interesting and diverse music. I would recommend anyone with a passion for any kind of very loud, but primitively satisfying noise to see Lightning Bolt in the flesh.
By Dan Beesley
No comments:
Post a Comment