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The usually intimate confines of The Zoo were feeling un-characteristically spacious as we entered - not that that's necessarily a bad thing as far as getting to the bar and being able to breathe is concerned, but it's a shame that a few more people weren't present to see the always amazing Katie Noonan unleash her vocal talents with Elixir. Freed from the more structured dynamics of her better known group George, Noonan and George guitarist Nick Stewart, together with a guest sax player, explored some more freeform realms, occasionally veering into jazz-inspired canoodlings but still keeping the minimal groove of each song rolling underneath.
At one stage Gota Cola were the focus of some Resin Dogs-like "Next Big Thing" proclamations, but recently they seem to have shunned the limelight and re-focused their sound. The results were surprising - Tylea's vocals were nowhere near as prevalent as they have been in the past, with "Eddy" off their debut EP being resurrected in instrumental form and drummer Skritch handling the majority of the vocal work during their set. Imagine Sonic Youth colliding with the Mad Professor, add some impressive live production and FX by the ever-reliable Magoo at the front-of-house desk, and you're part way to encapsulating what Gota Cola are all about. Not as commercially viable as they once were, but impressive nonetheless. Speaking of lack of commercial potential, Vicious Hairy Mary are the type of act that have major record companies cowering in the corner, such is their inventiveness and sheer disdain for the conventions of what comprises popular music. Mr Bungle may be recognised as the current pick of the avant-garde crop, but Vicious Hairy Mary fuse Bungle's heaviness and genre-hopping with the instrumental dexterity of Larks Tongues In Aspic-era King Crimson to do what would seem almost impossible - they out-Bungled Bungle. Like a troupe of deranged clowns from the local Insane Asylum Circus, Vicious Hairy Mary bound around on stage in a carnival-esque fashion, traversing musical styles at will without ever crossing that fine line into un-listenable territory. In fact, they were nothing short of compelling, lead by the incomprehensible vocal ramblings and intense bass riffing of Michael Lira and the searing violin of Sam Fonti (a temptress if ever there was one!) and solidly underpinned by new Gurge skinsman Peter Kostic and the piano accordian and keys of Guy Freer. With a mix of their own blend of madness and some surprising covers (notably snippets of the "Neighbours" and "Days Of Our Lives" theme songs!), Vicious Hairy Mary's set had something for everyone. The 100 or so punters there were given a rare treat - witnessing the musical equivalent of a mad scientist at its creative best..... ~Kris Swales~
CLICK HERE for the Vicious Hairy Mary website
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