Kelpe // Norwich Arts Centre - 26.03.10

Support at this, the second night held by new Norwich electro collective Spectro, is provided by local artistes Matt Riviere and his friend The Owl Box. With a very sparse and atmospheric sound and only featuring 2/3 individual sounds to be heard at any one time, this is beautiful and delicate electronica at its' most static sounding. Good work, and I look forward to hearing more of the same. Second support comes from Brighton duo Grasscut, who I have heard good things about. Their appearance on stage dressed alike in grey suits and wearing glasses (a little Proclaimers, a little Gilbert & George) stirred the audience to expect exciting things. They seemed to enjoy themselves a lot but the crowd were less than impressed. Despite being signed to Ninja Tune and featuring an electric double bass, their music just didn't hang together right. The vocals were not compatible with the music..without the vocals it would have been alright, but certainly not ground breaking. Boo.

The man Kelpe appears onstage with his live drummer (always good with a dance act) and we all start to get head-nodding. His appearance at Bloc the previous week perhaps accounts for the surprisingly small but devoted crowd, but he hits us quick with foot tapping bass heavy hip hop beats overlaid with lazy electronica swirls. It’s a laidback set but more lively than his recorded work. Some of the rhythms are so phat my body can't really express it through the power of dance..very nice indeed. His visuals are spot on..those deep sea creatures and fish that are entirely mysterious and fabulous mixed up with bubbly water shots…clear as a bell and just stunning. Kelpe plays for just over an hour and leaves us all wanting more. Perfect for those of you who like interesting electronica with a deep beat. A great gig for Kelpe and Spectro.