I just got back from seeing EBN + Banco de Gaia.
I am impressed! =|-)
I don't get to see very many of the IDM and other dance artists that I listen
to, but this show was a real kicker... EBN had 2 small TV monitors and 2
projectors aimed at two screens, "broadcasting" their samplamania video
mix in sync with the music. They were playing some pretty good beaty music,
and their MC-type person played the part of a robot pretty well. It was a
fun type of performance, where the music played a role among many good
visual effects. Speaking of which, the two TVs were in this thing that
looked like a twin cannon on steroids... I mean, it spun around every which
way, so they could "aim" the lasers at the other end at the audience, or
wherever... definitely one of the more unique props I've seen.
Anyway, intermission brought some Chemical Brothers tuneage, along with some
other drum intensive music, while they set the stage for Banco de Gaia.(aka,
Toby Marks). I was quite impressed with the speed of setting up, since this
guy has got all _sorts_ of gear! A couple of monitors faced the audience, tho
were behind Toby, as well as a laptop, which appeared to be driving the whole
show. He had everything in his control, including the incredible light system!
I've never seen so much done with such a small number of track lights (6 by
my count). There were a couple other generic glitzy lights, and some special
effects ones that would flicker in all directions, both of which were used
to some incredible effects!
I'd have to say that overall, Banco de Gaia's set was some of the best music
I've ever heard live. I think describing Toby as a one-man Pink Floyd (in terms
of their stage shows...) would be a fitting description of my impression of
his performance. He played some of the best tracks off of LTTL, and basically
sat there and tweaked to his hearts content at the mixing console. I seriously
doubt he pulled off that show with just a DAT, since every time his hand
turned on a dial, some sound somewhere reformed itself in perfect time. And,
in the midst of all this tweaking, he managed to create some very cool moods
with the lighting, which combined with the remixing of the tracks (And they
were _definitely_ remixes!), just set me off on a good happy feel-good trip!
If you get the chance, I highly recommend checking him out. I'm very glad to
see artists like him from the UK finally starting to get around to Atlanta! I
don't usually have the time it would take to drive somewhere to see artists
(usually the closest would be DC), so when someone good that I know comes to
town, I try to go experience the music first hand. Of course, since it
was a Tuesday night, and not many people around here are familiar with
him, the turn out wasn't too high (about 50 people tops I would guess). But
I'm glad I went.
onTomorrow: Gonna go pick up the new Autechre dammit!
--
guyjr@ulc49.residence.gatech.edu
a.k.a., Guy Elden Jr.