With a brand new album the fine ‘Performance’ just out this week I was expecting most of the set to be drawn from that but it was not to be the case. Instead we were treated to reworking’s from across their back catalogue in what can only be described freeform jazz fusion punk rock. It was breathless stuff and led by the two main men James Petralli on lead and vocals and Steve Terebecki on bass their fret work had to be seen to be believed. It was a constant frenzy on both instruments with elongated jams, rapid solos and umpteen tempo changes. Ably supported by a new drummer only a month in to the band who kept up admirably with the musical cacophony going on in front of him along with the unassuming keyboardist who further filled out the sound.
Yes you could argue that it was a little self-indulgent in places but it never felt that it was getting out of control and each song was brought back to base without outstaying its welcome. Ironically it was the new tracks from ‘Performance’ that were mainly played straight as per the album.
The near ninety minutes flew by with ‘River to Consider’ and ‘Had 2 know (Personal)’ my favourites but the new songs stood up well too. This was an out an out rock show and the air con was struggling to keep the temperature under control because of the musical heat coming off that stage and dripping off the sparkly gold ceiling
Onto round two of the evening for a probably more sedate rootsy outing with Hiss Golden Messenger in Islington.
Until the next time keep on rockin y’all