TEA London News & Views

Day 3- Caribou

Sore heads, gail force wind and rain rain rain.. Welcome to Day 3, curated by Caribou.

Pharoah Sanders

If you have been following this series of reviews , you should know by now that I, Bunny Ears, cannot do jazz (please see Day 1 review). So to listen to Pharoah Sander first thing in the morning (afternoon) with a sore head should not have been a good combination. And it wasn’t, at first but then the music took a turn into a soothing slow-ish jazz (I can handle slow mellow jazz). It was like Sunday in the park, but only here everyone is chilling out on the carpet, in a dark windowless building, with no sun and away from the rain. O how romantic!

Connan Mockasin

This was one of the band on my must-check-out list for the weekend and this is purely because someone I know has a girlfriend who has a cousin who knows someone that’s in the band (no idea which one). Anyway, Connan Mockasin is absolutely brilliant and they are definitely my favourite new discovery. A little Air, a little Beck, the sound is soft, minimal, pure and very very beautiful. You cannot help but be captivated.

The Ex with Getatchew Mekuria

One is a ‘Dutch post-punk legend’ and the other is a ‘saxaphone-wielding king of Ethiopian jazz soul’. The results well, as jazz as jazz can be. I tried, believe me I tried… but I can’t, I simply can’t.

Let’s go get a drink instead.

Orchestra of Spheres

I have serious issues with bands who wear quirky things on stage, cos more often than not, their so called DIY eccentric I-am-o-so-quirky music is actually O-m-g-are-you-being-serious? And please do not refer to your severe lack of style or the understanding of style as eccentric or quirky. It’s the same reason why there are no stupid people left in Britain, only dyslexics.

Sun Ra Arkestra

More jazz…If I am stuck in a catacomb with this lot, trust me, that will be my nightmare before Xmas (or indeed any other day). One of them is supposed to be from another planet, and some of them have been around since Tutankhamun. Whatever they do, wherever they come from, we definitely worship a different god. O forgive me…

Junior Boys

Yeah.. another must-see for me, Junior Boys seemed to be the current go-to people for remixes. And I can totally understand why. They have created a niche for themselves, making music that adults can enjoy and dance to without having to punch their fist in the air every other second.. I called it ‘Adult Orientated Dance’. Whoever reviewed Roisin Murphy last album and declared ‘Finally, dance music for adults!’ should really get themselves a copy of Junior Boys ‘cos this is finally dance music for adults. O I want more!

Four Tet

Still dancing…Still adult and still very contemporary, Kieren Hebden took everyone up a notch into serious party time. With a more thumping sound and energy, Four Tet is how dance music in a club should sound like (instead of the carry-on DJ sound from the bygone Ibiza years). So put on you dancing shoes matey, the party ain’t over yet.

Caribou -Vibration Ensemble

The final act for the weekend (at least for me), Caribou – Vibration Ensemble is basically Caribou and their friends who have perform during the weekend. And o I cannot ask for a better closing act. One word- Major. This bunny dance and dance like it’s 1999 (or 2000 for some). There was a mellow moment in the middle of the set, but that just make the pick up even more amazing. And when ‘Odessa’ came on, I think I shed a tear of joy. It was absolutely brilliant and the ending, oh unexpectedly perfect. I’m totally shattered.

And there you go, the round up for this year’s ATP- Nightmare Before Christmas.

It has been a total blast. And like I said, I don’t’ like making sweeping statement like ‘ooh this is the best ATP’ but it has been a very very very good one. O sort it. This is the Best ATP!!! (I’ve been to four ok).

BE

Disclaimer: The views of Bunny Ears is not necessarily that of TEA London’s; or that of anyone else’s for that matter.

DAY 2- Curated by Battles

Walls

With their 2010 self titled album picking up Mojo Electronic Album of the Year, what could possibly go wrong with the duo? The answer is, absolutely nothing. With my eyes closed and bum planted on the carpet, their emotional soundscape took me to Norway, Berlin, Hull, Royal Oak (don’t ask me why), and many other places and spaces. It was beautiful, it was lush, it was the perfect start to Day 2.

Washed Out

The electronic theme continues with Washed Out. And basically if you take Walls, turn the encapsulating soundscape down a couple of notches, strip everything else down a little, add in some vocals and then cut everything up into 10 individual songs, and you’ll get Washed Out. It’s a pop version of Wall if you like and I meant it in a good way.

The Field

More electronic..The Field have exactly the same set up as Wall on stage but that’s where the similarity ends. Though both are in the genre of electronic, The Field are a lot dancier but definitely not better. I find their sound tired and dated. It’s like listening to a DJ spinning club music. I got bored very very quickly.

Gary Numan

Is it wrong to say bad things about Gary Numan? I mean he is Gary Numan after all..? Well to be honest, it wasn’t very interesting. Looking very much like Brian Molko (or rightfully the other way right), his new sound is goth. Nothing new, and nothing more. With the exception of Cars in the early part of the set, I felt like I stood there for 40 mins just to listen to Are Friends’ Electric. Sorry…

Cults

Oooh.. I was very much looking forward to see Cults after coming across some of their tracks a few years ago. Live, her voice sounds a lot sweeter and definitely a lot more bedroom pop. Although they didn’t blow me away, I still love what they do and to me, they are what pop music should sound like. Note: I’m still humming ‘Most Wanted’.

Battles

Curator for Day 2, the Battles were fantastic and boy do they work hard! The result; a musical sound that is amazingly dense and frantic with beeps and bleeps coming out of everywhere, followed by rolling thunderous drums and every little squeak an instrument can make. Yes there were moments when it lingered a bit on the same spot but there were many other moments when it felt like all the pinball machines and video games have come alive in an arcade and proceeded to have a full blown sing-song. And that’s what make the Battles a damn worthwhile band to watch.

(And who cares about not having a lead singer when you can just stick people into screens- genius!)

Underground Resistance presents Interstellar Fugitives

Detroit has a saviour and they come in many guises under the banner of Underground Resistance

or is that supposed to be Interstellar Fugitives? Frankly, I haven’t got a clue and the little write up in the booklet just confuses me even more. I don’t really know why but I keep thinking I have seen them before. But anyway, they are pretty good, in a sense that I wouldn’t mind seeing them again but I wouldn’t be rushing out to buy the record or ticket.

And that ladies and gentleman is the end of Day 2.

BE

ps. I did sneak into a DJ session again.. but when Mr. DJ shouted Un, Dos, Tres.. I couldnt get away faster enough.

Disclaimer: The views of Bunny Ears is not necessarily that of TEA London’s; or that of anyone else’s for that matter. (especially the bit about Gary Numan – Ed)

Day 3- Group Doueh, Prince Rama, Orthrelm, Oneohtrix Point Never, Tony Conrad & Jennifer Walshe, Ear Pwr, Atlas Sound and Gang Gang Dance.

Group Doueh:

Hailing from Dakhla in Western Sahara, the band consists of a man(Doueh), his son and four amazing super mamas. And on a Sunday afternoon, they were truly a joy to watch. The warmth that they produced were incredible and it came not only from their sound but also from them individually as fellow humans. I absolutely loved the super mamas, they sang and dance with such dignity and grace, and not to mention ease(Beyonce, eat your heart out). O and when Doueh switches from his traditional tindik to an electric guitar, boy, Hendrix was in the house! Yes, he was hot, and he’s got an impressive party trick up his sleeve too! Joy, joy, joy!

Prince Rama:

Though it says a trio in the write-up, but on stage were two girls, a synth, and a drum(not counting some other paraphernalia and a traditional Indian dancer for a few songs). Heavily influenced by the Hare Krishna (they stayed at the Hare Krishna farm for a while), their set were almost ritualistic with the obligatory chanting and clanging of prayer bells. But somehow the girls managed to keep the sound fresh and not too gimmicky. Having said that, it does feel a little bit tired towards the end of the set and as much as I like the synth and the booming drums, I can’t stop wanting perhaps a little bit more to their sound. A missing member maybe?

Orthrelm:

Like Spectrum, the write-ups for this band is enough to make me want to see them. A guitarist and a drummer. This duo started their career playing music that’s ‘very fast, abrasive, technical music with as little repetitions as possible’ and then they had a total turn around and started playing music that’s focus ‘entirely on repetition’. On hiatus since 2006, seeing them live was one of the highlight of the event. With no breaks, their set was just an amazing assault on your senses. Not one for slowing down, the drums were thumping like a thousand horses on the path of war all thorough the set while guitar was manically grinding like clashing chainsaws. It was fantastic and I have nothing but respect for them. How did they do it? I have no idea but it would be really interesting to see them at band practice. A definite not to be missed if you ever get the chance.

Oneohtrix Point Never:

An experimental electronic musician, Daniel Lopatin is very highly regarded and is not short of rave review. Hailed by the Wire as the musician that ‘open our ears to new sonic possibilities and… force us to reconsider and rewire some of our basic assumption.’, I was left rather disappointed. He is accomplished at what he does but his sound was rather common and tired, and it simply did not go anywhere. The only thing challenged was my patience and I strongly suggest he reconsider and rewire his basic assumption.

Tony Conrad & Jennifer Walshe:

This could possibly be the most avant garde of the lot for the weekend. And it shows as the exodus of people left the venue almost empty. But those that stayed were rewarded with the beautiful yet primal howl and screech of Jennifer Walshe accompanied by the frantic and disjointed violin by the both of them. Seeing act like this made me wish I own a gallery as this is the exact music I would be playing. It’s raw, but somehow cerebral, you don’t always understand it but somehow it calls out to you. I admit, they are a little difficult to get into at first but if you throw away your preconception and give them and yourself a chance, you might just find yourself enjoying something that’s simply not quite the same.

Ear Pwr:

These North Carolina duo are all about being sweet and innocent. And just like them, their music is sweet and innocent too. But in these world, there are such things as too sweet and too innocent; and they, have certainly crossed the line. I don’t mean to be harsh but it was sickly and nauseating. And I left as quickly as possible for some fresh air. You have been warned.

Atlas Sound:

Atlas Sound is the solo moniker of Deerhunter frontman- Bradford Cox and if you have heard Atlas Sound on the radio or on record, and you expect the same music, you would be left disappointed. Stripped off the pop-pier electronic beeps and blips, Atlas Sound on stage is one man with a guitar and whole lot of pedals. Possibly the most down to earth and sweetest person on stage, you will be amazed at how much one man(and a guitar and pedals) can do. His sounds wraps warmly around you like a cocoon and then sets you free to spread your wings. It is very comforting, and this is the second time I’ve seen him and he has yet to disappoint.

Gang Gang Dance:

Described by many as the darker and twisted side to the New York avant-garde movement(Animal collective represent the sunny side), Gang Gang Dance is a kinda like Atlas Sound X 5. But what looks good on paper may not always work on stage. Louder doesn’t always mean better. First of all, yes they are a little darker than Animal Collective but their sound is by no means dark and it is far from being twisted. And secondly, I think the term avant garde has been used rather loosely to something perhaps that is just not mainstream or pop. Anyway, I thought they were, quite enjoyable but sadly suffers from more or less the same problems that I have with Animal Collective. I think sometimes it is too easy to layer on more and more, but unfortunately it doesn’t always take you higher. Maybe if they take a step back and peel off some layers, they might actually find something fresher that’s already there.

And that’s the end of Day 3..

Overall, I really think it has been great.  And besides the smaller crowd, this ATP also benefited from a later start and a later finish to the day. It was also great to see DJ’s being given a better billing than before but I think more still can be done. I know ATP is not a dance event but I think having higher profile DJ’s would simply add another dimension to the whole event. At the moment having DJs feel almost like an after thought rather than something they planned for. Anyway, that’s it about this ATP. The next one is the Nightmare Before Christmas curated by not one but three bands: The Battles, Les Savy Fav and Caribou. Bring it on!!

o I luv the poster!!!

BE

Disclaimer: The views of Bunny Ears is not necessarily that of TEA London’s; or that of anyone else’s for that matter.