The Ark, Edinburgh
Friday 14 March 2008
4 stars
With scheduled headliners, Italian skronk power trio Zu, depleted in ranks by a broken-limbed drummer, last-minute reinforcements come in the shape of ubiquitous sticks-man Chris Corsano, briefly home on shore-leave from his extended gig with Bjork. The timing is fortuitous, as a project with Zu bassist Massimo Pupillo (with guitarist David Chalmin) as Dimension X has already produced an album based on a 1950s science-fiction radio show.
Before the main event, however, things are enlivened by two somewhat refreshed young men jumping onstage and grabbing the mikes to inform one of the support bands at length how shit they are. While they’re still playing. One dance-floor fracas later, and Corsano and Pupillo’s twin rhythm unit bring some kind of well-drilled harmony to the room. Both parties lead, as Corsano’s restless cymbal and mallet play feeds off Pupillo’s distorted bass. Keeping any heaviosity to a minimum of busy, low-attention-span skitters, the pair eventually let rip with an extended but sensitively controlled thwack home that puts regular bands to shame on this night of serious incident and colour.
The List issue 599, 27 March-10 April 2008
ends
Friday 14 March 2008
4 stars
With scheduled headliners, Italian skronk power trio Zu, depleted in ranks by a broken-limbed drummer, last-minute reinforcements come in the shape of ubiquitous sticks-man Chris Corsano, briefly home on shore-leave from his extended gig with Bjork. The timing is fortuitous, as a project with Zu bassist Massimo Pupillo (with guitarist David Chalmin) as Dimension X has already produced an album based on a 1950s science-fiction radio show.
Before the main event, however, things are enlivened by two somewhat refreshed young men jumping onstage and grabbing the mikes to inform one of the support bands at length how shit they are. While they’re still playing. One dance-floor fracas later, and Corsano and Pupillo’s twin rhythm unit bring some kind of well-drilled harmony to the room. Both parties lead, as Corsano’s restless cymbal and mallet play feeds off Pupillo’s distorted bass. Keeping any heaviosity to a minimum of busy, low-attention-span skitters, the pair eventually let rip with an extended but sensitively controlled thwack home that puts regular bands to shame on this night of serious incident and colour.
The List issue 599, 27 March-10 April 2008
ends
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