Issue 29 / Dec 2012/Jan 2013

Reviews
Bido Lito! Dec 2012 / Jan 2013 31
maker Hudson Mohawke elicit the biggest
response, measured by volume of drink spilt as
the crowd bounces in unison. His most recent
release Power is a highlight of the set, a standalone
single which aims for the dancefloor more
than any of his previous efforts. Though featuring
Fantastic Mr Fox’s signature synths and melodies,
it is driven by a deep rolling bassline, the kind of
which has been inescapable this year.
Though it is a shame that Throwing Snow’s
earlier set of darkly atmospheric bass music
doesn’t fall on more ears, Constellation provides
a welcome alternative to the heavyweight
bookings of Chibuku that will see it return for
#002, #003, and many more besides.
Rob Syme
EUGENE McGUINNESS
Coves - The Dirty Rivers
Evol @ O2 Academy
Support for EUGENE McGUINNESS tonight
comes in the form of the youthful exuberance
of THE DIRTY RIVERS, a five-piece rock band with
moody riffs, catchy hooks and unapologetic
lyrics. Following them are COVES, who specialise
in trippy, drowsy pop tones that seduce us
with smoky tendrils before jarring us out of a
daydream with visceral slices of jagged noise.
The honeyed vocals of Beck Wood are the
perfect accompaniment to noisy beats, and a
sultry version of Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game is an
unexpected highlight.
When the ever impeccably dressed Eugene
McGuinness takes to the stage, he is received
warmly and launches into Harlequinade, a
hyperactive, impossibly catchy piece of pop rock.
McGuinness is visibly inspired by the sixties,
from his slick quiff and tailored threads, down
to spy film elements within his music. Frenetic
observations delivered in a high-paced stream
of consciousness is a recurring theme, whilst
Eugine McGuinness (Robin Clewley)
others include the over-stimulating lyrics in
more than one track referring to self-pleasure.
Carnal desires aside, McGuinness delivers a
polished performance, hitting his stride with
the superb Sugarplum, an energetic, electro pop
song that has the crowd moving with its bouncy
beats. Lion is received predictably well with its
predatory bassline and innovative breaks, but
it is Moscow State Circus that is an unexpected
highlight. Taken from his 2008 eponymous
debut album, it is up-tempo and whimsical
and emphasises the directional shift in music
between his debut and his current album.
Excellent vocals and surfy basslines ensure
that the majority of the songs on Invitation To
The Voyage are of a high standard but there are
times, although rare, that McGuinness seems
to flounder slightly and sink under the weight
of some of his tracks. Shotgun is an absolute
gem and triumphs over the rest of the album.
A formidable bass behind stormy lyrics - an ode
to a mischievously dark relationship where he is
left battered and bruised but cares not. Fusing
a flurry of horns, electro and rasping guitars,
Shotgun is dramatic and anthemic.
Perhaps one of McGuinness’ greatest talents
is his ability to story tell through the bizarre
medium of comedy noir metaphors. He is the
voice of a stylised youth and although this
performance is more modest than previous
outings, his talent is undeniable. Long may the
voyage continue.
TAFFY
Lisa O’Dea
Young Times – Baby Brave And The Love Bites
ROPE @ The Compass
The Compass is a great little pub and a
welcome addition to the limited options for
live music in Chester, and since opening up
just a few months ago they’ve demonstrated
Out
Now evapetersen.co.uk
also available on
iTunes