Slocombe's Pussy @ The Toff (21/5/2009)

The VICMOD Ensemble

What I understand The VICtorian MODular Synthesiser Ensemble to be is a group of guys that use homemade modular synthesisers to perform wondrous sounds to live audiences. To can view their blog here. The show they put on was not exactly what I was expecting but it was a unique sight: 5 expressionless guys sitting in front of synthesisers on the front of the stage appearing to not move at all. My first impression was that it resembled a LAN party or this scene from southpark.

The sounds they were producing were amazing but I admit I couldn't get into it. There is no way in hell I would dare to make fun of something I don't properly understand though. This video below may give you an idea of it a bit better. Throughout the show they also have some imagery flashing around on a projector screen which added to the show. I think you would need to be a fellow modular synthesiser operator or be high to thoroughly enjoy this show.

Schweinhund
The red curtains opened wide to reveal a dark stage with 5 tyvek suited dudes using more traditional instruments (kind of) to play some psychedelic rock. By "kind of" I mean I only remember seeing one less conventional band instrument: one had what looked like a lap steel mounted on a stand, which added some interesting and unique sounds to the mix. It was refreshing to see a band that had semi original matching costumes (and not a goddamn suit!). I found the Seth Rogan look-alike lead guitarist a bit distracting but the visuals that were playing on the projector screen throughout the show were a nice touch. Please excuse the shithouse quality of these images - they were taken with a phone, not a camera.

I would want to hear more of them to get into a little more; as it was I can't say I found their music adversely skillful and I don't recall any awesome moments but don't write them off - it shat all over anything we saw on Wednesday night!

Slocombe's Pussy
From the moment the red curtains parted I think most people in the room would have been a little amazed by the spectacle on the stage: the five of them were dressed in robes - 2 had human faces 2 appeared to have loofahs for faces, the stage have bubbles raining down on it the whole time whilst being lit with predominantly green light with a strobe flashing away. It was quite a unique sight. You can check out their MySpace here and check out a live performance below.

A stand out moment for me during their set was the operation of a mysterious instrument I can only describe as a Scull Wand by pink loofah face. As he (or she?) moved it up and down it seemed to produce higher or lower sounds - very cool. The music was fairly hardcore, which I like but didn't really hook me in enough to want to see them again. Spectacular show though.

Tame Impala @ The Toff (18/5/2009)

Triple J hosted a fantastic free gig in the city of Melbourne for 300 lucky people to experience the wonder of Tame Impala. We were lucky enough to be counted amongst this group of keen punters.

The Toff -
Cool place, it was perfect for this kind of function, free entry and mood pouring out of it's walls creating a cosy, yet classy atmosphere.

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Oh Mercy -
This was the first time I had heard them, but first impressions: think of a slightly poppier Blonde Redhead and add a pinch of The Bends Radiohead? Maybe check out their MySpace and decide for yourself. They played a good show and I think they impressed the majority of the crowd. They had a decent sound and I would like to see them again!

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Tame Impala -
Fucking awesome gig, I might even go as far as to say...Best of the year? maybe it was due to the fact that I had seen them on saturday and all their songs were fresh in my head... I had an awesome time. I won't really understand how they pull such a massive crowd considering that psychedelic stuff doesn't always do it for everyone, but I guess MGMT might have provided a stepping stone for the modern mainstream alternatives into this genre; interesting.... I was having a great night, even though my taxi driver made me listen to some indo-pop on the way home nothing could get me down!
ok, so the show started with a usual familiar song (sorry don't know the names) and kept them coming until the third or forth song where they pulled a complete surprise piece and whipped out an awesome rendition of angel by massive attack. But the fun didn't stop there, I really can't express this effectively in words but suffice to say it had me smiling for the length show, so much so the guy next to me insisted I have a swig of his pint of wine! These guys play the style of music I appreciate most and you are in to the psychedalia, I highly recommend you see them.

James Hampton - Land or Sea Album Launch (22/4/2009)

The Toff

This night was my frst experience of The Toff in Town. It's a comfortable place with an intimate stage setup, superlative sound and dripping with mood! Drinks were fairly pricey and the bar lacked beer variety on the night. Mood lighting and a big red curtain on the stage are a great touch and scores big atmosphere points in my books; overall I'd give the place a 69%.

James Hampton

Put on another excellent gig; the mixing was perfect, the band was huge and very skilled, they were all perfectly timed and obviously well practiced. As you have probably already guessed James is a good friend of Jim and I and rather than deliver to our readers a potentially biased review of our good friend. I offer you a gift, stay tuned into this blog for future posts...
Back to the usual stuff for now though, Hampton delivered a top notch show and deserves a modest 87% for his magnificent effort.

Good night overall and churning through the numbers comes out with a 74%. Keep up the good work Hampton!