|
|
Calmer*
review by
Jon Andriessen
The Hub, Cheltenham
Saturday 7th May
Calmer* music nights have become legendary in Cheltenham over the past few
years. Promoted by Martin Williams, the aim is to showcase the finest
music and performance artists in a chilled-out atmosphere with an
intelligent and appreciative audience – and this night was no exception.
First on stage were the enigmatic Longstone with their madcap array of
musical trickery and odd instrumentation. Using a combination of
synthesizers, bass clarinet and a revamped child’s Speak and Spell
machine, the band produced a stunningly unique blend of electro-acoustic
ambience - weird and unapologetically wonderful.
Next up was the last minute stand-in, Ed Donovan with his Dylanesque
guitar riffs combined with a serio-comic vocal whimsy. Donavan played his
bittersweet charms to perfection, even taking the time to pose mid song
for some eager photographers.
Headlining the night all the way from Philadelphia were the M.P.E. Band
(made-up of the initials of their first names), an intriguing trio of
multi-talented musos. Part minstrels, part popsters with more than a hint
of hard rock, the M.P.E. Band defy conventional definitions preferring to
keep the audience guessing as well as themselves. They constantly swap
instruments – drummer becomes bassist, lead guitar becomes drummer -
giving a different sound and style to almost every song they play. They
describe themselves as “down-home, farm-city, junk-musicians” and well,
whatever that means it will certainly do for me.
The next Calmer* night takes place on June 2nd at Slak, Cheltenham,
featuring The Rivulets and Men Diamler. You can find out more information
about Calmer* at www.calmermusic.co.uk.
© Jon
Andriessen
Back to top
|
