Review: gaNNets @ Band on the Wall – Janurary 26
Not content with fronting the BRIT Award and Mercury Prize nominated indie-rock quartet Guillemots, Fyfe Dangerfield brings his side project gaNNets to Band on the Wall for a soul easing affair.
The night began with Norwegian threesome Trio Riot playing nervously to a disappointing turnout of fourteen; a ludicrous number that is heavily shadowed by the queue at a local takeaway. But fourteen listeners and three musicians shared a fervour for jazz and nothing could stand in the way of that.
Trio Riot understandably had a wobbly start, with the two saxophonists and drummer each relying on one another to lead the cavalry. Tenor saxophonist Sam Andreae rallied his compatriots and soon had them doing what they do best: jamming. The improvising Scandinavians were experimental in their set; they flowed from a stop-start juxtaposition to an energetic charge of bluesy-rock. Unfortunately, Mette Rasmussen on alto sax stumbled over a few ear-piercing notes and at times mirrored a playground Formula 1 impression.
Highlight, and standout leg of the tripod, was drummer David Meier. He was bold and creative and successfully worked a Hitchcock-horror screech into a jazz band… Intrepid adventurer!
Headline improvisers gaNNets took stage to a slightly bulkier audience and brought slightly bulkier instruments along. A double-bass, bass clarinet and keyboard added an incomparable depth to the night as gaNNets played an exemplar set.
A successful coexistence between Guillemots and gaNNets member Fyfe Dangerfield seems to be the secret ingredient, as untried material from Guillemots can be explored by his unconventional alter ego. Their style of music is natural: play what makes you happy. The effect on the audience is harmonious. The band formulates paths to take on stage and deliver an inviting rhythm; catchy ditties and slow-paced musings intertwine with booming saxophones and jaunty strings. The effect is simply charming.
gaNNets are specialised jammers. Many bands stick to thoroughly sound proofed garages in order to experiment with new material, attempting to avoid a complaint from next door. However, they’d lose their personality if structure and organisation were brought in. By trusting a free-spirit and the natural ability to connect with one another, the jazz quintet would be any neighbour’s dream.
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