Other Reviews

06/02/2009

DVD: Live At Shepherds Bush Empire

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Bellowhead

Hands up those who have seen Bellowhead? Yes, I know, quite a few of you. So, what do you need to know about this DVD release. Well it's footage of one particular concert that takes up the majority of this lavish visual feast. The gig is from September 2007 at The Shepherds Bush Empire, London. To bolster the package there's over sixty minutes of interviews and documentary, taking the running time to just shy of three hours.

You needn't have any worries about the sound. It's balanced and professional, with a choice of stereo or a 5:1 surround mix. And you'd  be a real stickler to have any complaints about the multi-angle camera work. So, basically, if you like their brand of high energy multi-cultural soundclash, this film will add to your enjoyment.

Their phenomenal work rate is evident from the start. Benji Kirkpatrick is the Angus Young of the group. The fretboard wizard is given plenty of elbow room as his diminutive figure whirls around centre stage. So that must make John Spiers his brother, Malcolm, the static dependable one. But that's where my AC/DC analogy breaks down as Jon Boden isn't so easily definable. Every group needs a focal point and Jon has more than his fair share of magnetic charisma. His beanpole frame, beard and unruly tie add to the eye candy as he gives a mesmerizing performance.

As this is a couple of years ago the material is largely from the 'Burlesque' album. So here comes 'London Town' with it's bawdy music hall ska, which has the crowd in party mode. Elsewhere the lasso dance is demonstrated before Rachael McShane and John lock onto the stirring melody from 'If You Will...', one of the highlights from this set.

'Fire Marengo' is a free jazz and funk pile up, with it's call and response moments turned up to eleven. Whereas you'll have to search hard to find a Helicon solo anywhere, especially one as catchy as Gideon Juckes' in 'Hopkinson's Favourite'. Personally I've always treasured the moment Andy Mellon's trumpet brings 'Death And The Lady' to a close. That isn't meant to sound like an insult.

'Spectre Review' is the only new track from, the then forthcoming, 'Matachin' and it should be an example to the Eurovision organizers of how the contest could run - choose a folk song from another country and give it a thoroughly modern makeover.

It isn’t subtle, but that never was the idea. There's more styles here than even Vivienne Westwood has even attempted to merge in one show. Who cares, just clear a space and grab your frying pan and cutlery, it's show time.

David Kushar

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