Thank god for SOULWAX. Not only should they be everyone’s favourite techno Euro tinkers but after the distinctly soulless Embrace effort @ Shepherd's Bush Empire earlier this evening and feeling sorry for myself after another pint of piss poor Carling, some music with an edge is oh so appreciated and luckily Soulwax are right on the money.
Switching between alter ego’s Too many DJ’s and the 5 piece rock outfit, they effortlessly blend Daft Punk and Mylo amongst others into their own electronic ego’s offering a glimpse of what to expect at the after show. Rocking the compact Kraftwerk dynamic and sharp black and orange dress sense, favourites like ‘Too many DJ’s’ and ‘Conversation Intercom’ are seamlessly delivered but are unfortunately swallowed up by the vastness of the Academy. Still in sort of getting to for the price of one they have a few tracks up their sleeve and a blistering finale of ‘NY Excuse’ get the strobe lights warmed and the party started as we limber up for THE ZUTONS.
It’s the last thing you want at near enough 1am and a day of gigs. Some cunt who’s buzzed and significantly more cheerful than you are, but I won’t hold it against Dave McCabe and his scouse chunnering. Taking the scrag ends of everything from Zappa to scallydelica, The Zutons bring a sense of feelgood as they bring their bouncing, bounding sound to the Academy and aim to start the party.
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Abi Harding offers some visual relief giving every muso male their latest fantasy girlfriend. Something not seen since the Hillary Woods (ex-JJ72) epidemic. Not many girls can pull off a saxophone and a cocktail dress whilst dancing with a scrappy grace reminiscent of a demented hen.
Amidst an insight into McCabe’s drug habits and a cheeky dig at the sponsors ‘It’s gotta be said Kronenbourg’s better’ (I wholeheartedly agree) lest we forget The Zutons have some boss tunes. ‘Pressure Point’ and ‘Don’t Ever Think’ bring the Brixton crowd to life as the overpriced Carling takes effect. Heads, hands and bodies jerk and jive in that awkward fashion that the gifted few can pull off with any style, and as drained as the hardcore might be it’s all in tired appreciation. As I leave the liggers, swiggers, boozers and schmoozers to LCD Soundsystem and the after show, the decision seemed like a wise one.
Just the one more journey on the dreaded night bus then. Luvverly.
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