Levi’s OneToWatch, VIBE BAR, LONDON, 7 July
Monday night is perhaps not the best night of the week for a live show, however there is already a good crowd gathering as support act The Late Greats begin their set. Whether they're named after the Wilco song of the same name we can't be sure, but The Late Greats’ cathartic, lo-fi alt-rock sound owes a lot to them. They also sport a chaotic Frank Black vocal style and solid rock grooves. Their performance is earnest but fun, and chock full of good riffs and driving beats – more than enough to warm up the crowd.
Dananananaykroyd take to the stage with a certain understated confidence and verve that immediately sets a promising tone for the evening. Many of the punters are hanging back, waiting to see what this Levi's headlining OnetoWatch act has to offer; at least fifty other people, however, have clearly made their minds up, bare-chested in anticipation of some craziness.
And craziness is what we get. Take the six-person lineup for starters: two are drummers, one of whom shares the lead vocals when he's not being spectacular and ostentatious behind the kit (at least two other members get up to play during the set). By the end of the first song half the band are topless and both of the singers can be found surfing the crowd, mics in hand, screaming themselves senseless. They are frenetic, gleeful performers who spend as much time in the crowd as on the stage. By the second song the crowd is heaving and Dananananaykroyd have us in the palms of their sweaty hands.
Among their influences you can detect the wayward math-rock approach of At The Drive-In, the non-linear structures of post-rockers Idlewild. The two drummers seem to lead the charge, directing the melodies with their exacting beats, flamboyant hits and riotous fills. Their brassy lyrics and catchy riffs make all this innovation very accessible.
Dananananaykroyd are the most exciting thing I've witnessed since, well, since ever. For one reason or another I seem to have missed most of the significant musical moments of my lifetime. It might be saying a smidgen too much, but watching Dananananaykroyd went a small way toward making up for this. They have to be seen to be believed.
[This picture is from the same night: yes, there is a guitar lodged in the ceiling.]
