I don't have time to do a full review right now but nevertheless have the urge to mention seeing the excellent four-piece ensemble which is 'Acoustic Ladyland'. I've seen Seb Rochford, the drummer, in a number of incarnations, e.g. supporting Julia Biel in F-IRE Collective and with Joanna MacGregor in her role as conductor of a performance of Moondog material. Somehow I've managed to miss Polar Bear a few times. Rochford is an exceptionally good drummer and fascinating to watch. He makes it all look so effortless as he sits bolt upright behind the kit, big hair and all.
The band's sound is driven by the astonishing, punkish on-beat bass playing of Ruth Goller and they are fronted by Pete Wareham on sax. I do not know the name of the guitarist.
Ruth Goller is amazing. Her slight stature and impish presence are at odds with the big, big sound she makes - sometimes chording, at all times in total unison with Rochford's faultless subtlety.
Here's a link to the 'Skinny Grin' single 'Cuts and Lies':
though the new album, 'Living with a Tiger' has different personnel and is the focus of the present tour. Here's a link to something resembling the current band (minus guitarist) playing the title track. It gives an idea of the power of Ruth Goller's driving bass:
Great review, very descriptive! They have just released a free download single from the EP to0 - it's really good, check it out: http://tinyurl.com/yb43q5g
ReplyDelete"Great review, very descriptive!" +1
ReplyDeleteGreat song, I hope more bands start giving away songs for free.