Cosmonaut @ Bassment
By BellaI'd never been to basement before as I kind of think of it as out of the way, and not somewhere I really want to walk at night, but I saw the note asking for a reviewer, realized it was going to be an electronica based night and then got told I could get into the club afterwards for free, once I had paid for the gig - SOLD! It wasn't too bad getting there, not as dingy or creepy as I had thought it would be walking up, and its not that out of the way either! Basement can be found under the Merrion Centre (opposite St John's Centre on right hand side) and the door is opposite that tiny e-café. I think the steep stairs might be a problem leaving for anyone partaking of the incredibly cheap alcohol on offer though!
The stage is quite small and sort of in a corner of the room, with the sound desk right next to it (which I thought was a bit odd and can't be good for sound checks) The back drop of graffiti style painting gives it atmosphere, but I wasn't impressed with the strong UV lights that picked out every single white stand of everything in my clothes, turned my jeans a weird grey colour, and reacted with my photo sensitive glasses that made the inside lenses like a pale purple mirror! I could see people standing behind me better than I could some of those in front, and anytime someone wearing white (or Jim's ultra bright neon yellow) wandered within sight, it gave me a headache! I have to say though that it would be ace as a club 'cause I wouldn't need to see, but reviewing I wanted to see the bands and what I was writing...
All three bands tonight were using drum machines (much as I love watching drummers I did not notice their absence as much as I initially thought I would) equally all the bands used some form of samples, programming and a wide range of various effects. Each band sounded unique however and I shall try my best to describe them to you...
I have never heard of Cypher before, and have since been given to understand that they are a new band, comprising of brother (Mark Hadley) and sister (Jane) and a good friend (James Saunders). I was immediately struck by Mark's amazing vocals gently backed by the complimentary subtle voice of his sister. Mark uses his voice well combining volume and musical accuracy well to blend with his sister on occasion, or to drop the vocals into the background, and then bring the vocal line right back at the crowd. James brings a live guitar sound to the set, while Jane works the keyboards in a mixture of string type overtures and layers of melodic sound effects. Their back beat in the main was fast enough to dance to (and people were) but when they dipped into a slower song I was reminded of the kind of thing on those mood tapes you see advertised on TV, gentle floods of violins etc - but Cypher have taken that theme and developed it, building it into a rockier number and letting the guitar and vocals drift, blend and then pick up the pace. Having finally told the crowd to move forward, we were treated to Mark making full used of the front of the stage, including dropping down to the dance floor to sing a few lines with us. I found them well presented with some intriguing sounds and blends of music. I'm looking forward to seeing this band again, preferably with a longer set to see what else they have to offer.
Next up were katywithout, sadly without the projected stuff that accompanied their last gig. I gather the sound check was a little tense, with some running around for extra cables and things. They started a little rough around the edges, but soon settled down. This is only their second ever gig as katywithout, this originally being their side project from their former band Juno-2. Dave unfortunately is still based out of Newcastle, so how on earth they have got together to practice etc I will never know. Most noticeable for me were the subtle changes they have made to some of the songs. The connections between the live and sampled stuff are smoother than before. Moving the vocals to a sample for "I don't think" (featured on the Junction 47 c.d. -£3.99, featuring 18 Leeds bands, double c.d., all money to charity, available from Jumbo Records, Crash, Joseph's Well and Royal Park Cellars - GO BUY ONE NOW!) works much better as it leaves Tom free for some seriously excellent live guitar work. The crowd have relaxed now as well are getting into the whole feel of the layered electronica sound, dancing ensues as does some truly tremendous cheering at the end of each song. The whole sound of katywithout reminds me of Mogwai/Death in Vegas type stuff, although some of the tracks are clearly a cross over from Juno-2 work (more punk, angst ridden and vocals), and whilst they work well, their instrumental work won the crowd over completely. The layers of distortion, combined with clear bass lines, gently woven keyboards and a smooth mix of some slightly odd effects (especially the sampled screaming feedback and laughter at the end of the last track) worked really well. I think it would have helped the overall atmosphere to have had the projections as well (having seen them, it just seems to make it complete), but in a place like that I don't know where they would have put them? Maybe next time.
Cosmonaut set up very quickly... I only just made it back from the bar (water again as too skint and I was driving) and they were already launching into the first song. The first time I saw Cosmonaut I had no idea what to think, some of their stuff is very clever and some of it I hated. Not sure why, just didn't sound quite right. I've seen them a couple of times since, although not managed to catch a full set (and the sets tonight all seemed short), but tonight seamed much more together. The crowd had been thoroughly warmed up by Cypher and katywithout so Cosmonaut hit them with a full on set. Generally speaking they remind me a bit of a loud version of the Cure - primarily spoken vocals over a heavy range of background guitars, effects and keyboards. I'm still not sure of the odd song - slightly too off the wall for my taste, a little disjointed in places, but the favourite for a lot of people (myself included) was the track "my alien girlfriend". By this time almost everyone was dancing, just a few shy blokes who declined, despite tapping feet and nodding heads. Cosmonaut have great stage presence, they look different visually and have a musical style to match. If you're looking for something a little unusual with huge energy and great beat - this is the band for you.
Generally speaking I had a great night, I loved all three bands. Their combined sounds whilst being unique to each band, blended very well to make the whole evening fit together. I would have stayed for the club if my glasses hadn't been driving me mad by then and I will definitely see al three bands again. Any one interested in electronica/layered/diverse/melodic sounds should see any of these bands...
