AlterNative
AlterNative have now done their gigs at Bellingen Hall and The Armidale Club. Iain and I attended both gigs and helped out a little with the door and packing. In time I will get some photos and sound media and post the evidence here.
The Belligen Hall gig was the most impressive, hosting nearly 200 people. The Hall was half used (being very large) and was well decorated with all matter of lighting, projections, bamboo leaf and glow in the dark hoop/flag/poy dancers. The entire evening most of the crowd were in dancing mode to the predominately house-trance music, which the band put a certain tribal element into the mix as well. Although most of the people where young kids there were a few older folk really enjoying the vibe, some of which I’ve seen at other dance parties. Apparently, though, it is said that this scene is dwindling. Perhaps a transition from trance (going since mid 90s) to a new form of music will take place.
I was glad I didn’t have to play live, as the sickness was still lingering. At one point three young boys sat next to me with their cigerettes going. Already coughing, the smoke set me off in a convulsive fit of hacking. I had to get up and move, slightly annoyed that these guys were smoking inside. I think they read this annoyance and took offense – though how you could get offended when someone is suffering because of your self destruction is beyond my empathy. Later in the evening one of these boys felt it necessary to walk past me and drop his shoulder into me. A brief flutter of anger passed through me, but being sick cured me of the over exertion, and I knew nothing I could do could prevent them from being total uncompassionate idiots. Unfortunately, their loss. This was the only negativity for the whole night.
The band’s approach to playing live music is an interesting one, possible one we will see more of in the future. Two drummers, one on kit (Darren), one with an array of toms, congas and other cool bits (Justin), attempted to play (and did so very well in places) along with the keyboard operator’s pre-sequenced beats and acid synth-lines and pads (done by Ben). So when it worked it sounded like dj-ed material with live organic drums jamming along with full human energy. Where it noticeably became confused is where the humans couldn’t quite be as stiff as the machines. Either way, the crowd consistantly rewarded them for providing trance grooves with enough sonic colour to provide a cognitive journey. In live, the groove is king.
The Armidale Club gig could have been slightly better for them, only having about 50 people turn up, again most of which really got into the dancing for the end of the DJs and the band proper. The vibe was positive. It was expressed more than once that Armidale is in serious need of new live groove electronica, as in conjunction with our staple folk, blues, country, punk and occasional metal and hip hop. We hope to remedy this with running The Arc monthly from now on, giving full scope to electronic groove and weirdness.
I’m off for two weeks on a massive road trip from Perth to Armidale. There will be lots to pick up on when I get back…
