A
few weeks back though, I had the pleasure of hosting an old friend from way
back, an out-of-towner keen for a look at what local Wellington venue Bodega
could offer us by way of primer for what would surely be a night of serious
debauchery into the wee smalls (which is exactly what transpired). As it turned
out Bodega offered us something of a rare treat to start the night, even if not
quite in the way we had initially anticipated.
It
was the occasion of local blogger-turned-rapper Tommy Ill’s album release party
– for the New Hat And A Haircut second full length effort – but with three acts
on the bill we felt comfortable enough arriving at the venue somewhat later
than was perhaps desirable. Albeit missing not only the name of the first
support act, but also the bulk of what looked to be a fairly radical synth-drenched
set.
There
was an odd poignancy about the reality that the album release party had somehow
conspired to coincide with the death of MCA – Beastie Boy Adam Yauch – just hours
earlier. For those not familiar with the work of Tommy Ill, it essentially
adopts the tried and trusted Beastie template; three white guys rapping, a fair amount
of posturing, a smattering of shock value, and a high humour quotient. And
indeed, that was the default modus operandi come the time for Ill’s headlining
set. The group’s rendition of ‘Sabotage’ – a universally popular tribute track
in the weeks since Yauch’s death – was truly a moment of riotous splendour to
savour.
Yet,
as enjoyable as Tommy Ill was on the night in question, with the vast majority
of the 20-something crowd evidently knowing the words to many of his best
rhymes, the real shock and awe blow to this weary cynic’s befuddled head had
occurred during the set of primary support act Bang Bang Eche … just how on
earth had this magnificent live band manage to exist so far beyond my radar for
quite so long?
Formed
in 2007, two subsequent EPs (plus an album in the making? – anyone?), tours to
Europe and to the USA, multiple b.net and college radio hits, exposure at
festivals like SXSW and Big Day Out, and … if Wiki is to be believed … wait for
it … selection by MTV as one ‘The 25 Best New Bands In The World’ in 2010!
That’s
certainly plenty to be getting on with, and I guess with the benefit of
hindsight I shouldn’t have been so surprised by just how much these guys (and
girl) blew us away … like some loud demented version of 70s art-rock meeting 80s
gloss. An arrogant stage presence combined with an almost punk mentality. All
elements colliding head on with a serious amount of natural talent. It
ultimately resulted in an eye watering performance that even this perennially
wary gig-goer had to concede was one of the best live acts he’d seen in years.
Here’s a clip of Bang Bang Eche from as far back as three years ago …
And
if you like that … more on Bang Bang Eche and Tommy Ill here …
