Electrowerkz, London
25 September 2014
I had not been to see anything at Electrowerkz for a very long time; in fact so long, I initially forgot where it was, and so was surprised that the place had changed very little over the years. One thing that has improved though was the sound in the venue, and both acts tonight have a wonderful clear sound that penetrates deep into the audience.
By the time I arrive, Charles Hayward is just taking to the stage. He sits sentinel behind his drum kit and begins to play a series of complex rhythms over a backing tape. Sometimes his drumming is subtle and reminds me of Bill Bruford with its light, almost jazz touch; at other points he clatters around the kit like a manic Christian Vander. At the same time he sings, and his vocals occasionally remind me of Robert Wyatt’s. His execution of his music is flawless and captivating. The only point for me would be that it would be nice to see a band backing him rather than a tape, as that could lead to possible improvisation — which I imagine would be very interesting, rather than have the rhythms tied into a backing tape. But that’s only a minor quibble for what was an excellent set of otherworldly music. It’s two drum kit time again for Zombie Zombie, with Cosmic Neman sitting stage right, and this double-headed barrage adds a punishing rhythm that gives a sense of urgency and danceability to the entire set. The two kits are set up at the very front of the stage, Etienne Jaumet pushed to the back of the stage, behind a cluster of synthesizers stabbing out sequenced riffs and unearthly symphonic chords. The set relies heavily on the album Rituels d’un Nouveau Monde, with tracks like “The Wisdom of Stones” being all present and correct. Seeing as I only picked up their new soundtrack album Loubia Hamra that night, I have no idea if any tracks were taken from that album (but listening to it today I can highly recommend it). Their music takes you away into some strange places, part horror movie soundtrack, part late night Parisian café and part outer space travel music.
As it’s the start of autumn, Zombie Zombie’s music always seems to chime well with the build up to Hallowe’en; there is something about their electronic score that reminds me of John Carpenter, Goblin and Fritzi all rolled into one. They are one of the best electronic live bands around and well worth going to see. It would be great if they got added to next year’s Roadburn, as they would certainly fit very well on the bill there too.
-Gary Parsons-
