The Dragon's Ball

Now I know I told you all we were going to a concert last Friday and that I'd write about it on Saturday, but I didn't say which Saturday, so technically I'm still keeping my word. The crushing-sludge-schizo-mathcore band was called Ivy's Itch, and while they may not be destined for fame and fortune, (although of course you never know) they were entertaining. Here's the poster that got my attention:

Unfortunately (I guess), Elephant Vs. Leopard were a no-show, but their spot was filled by Andy K and his "stupid tech-noize." If you put Mario Bros, KMFDM, and Victor Borge in a blender, you might have an idea of what we saw. Video-gamey bleeps and bloops, called Gabba, were mixed with heavily distorted guitars and electric drums, topped off with a tiny cymbal, a floor tom, a cowbell, and a performer wearing a t-shirt that said "I need more cowbell!" Loud? Yea. Abrasive? Yup. Cliché? Rather. Entertaining? Definitely.

At last Ivy's Itch came on and at first I was a little unsure. Even two pints of Guinness hadn't taken the edge off of the lead singer's screech. The guitars were full and heavy, though, and the sludge portion of the compound genre title was coming through loud and clear. The drummer, one of a surprisingly large number of Englishmen who look like Melissa's brother Phil, kept a tight pace, but was essentially rocking a typical 4/4 beat. I began to think I had been duped by clever marketing when the second song began with a terrific crunch and a mind-bending rhythm shift. I spent the next twenty minutes or so rocking hard in my chair and picking out the different elements the had warranted such an ambitiously named style.

Sadly the band's set was cut short by technical difficulties with the bass. Somehow the guitarist, whom I suspect had the lion's share of the talent, was able to make it work, but the bass player was unable to get a sound out of it. The singer asked the crowd if there was a spare bass in the house and, when there wasn't, she simply said "Well, we're f&%ed then. Good night." How punk rock.

The Dragon's Ball, the event that hosted these two acts, happens the first Friday of every month. On top of that, there are at least two other pubs besides the Green Dragon within spitting distance of our place that regularly have live music. I expect, therefore, that I shall have plenty of opportunity to hone my music reviewing skills and you, dear readers, have the privilege of being my guinea pigs. Comments, criticisms, and questions are most welcome.

(Mental note for the next review: a band roster and a set-list would probably be helpful...)