Mount Kimbie // Norwich Arts Centre - 15.11.13
Mount Kimbie sell out Norwich Arts Centre
It's a sell out gig here tonight at the Arts Centre, as are many, if not most, of the electronic Spectro nights are that are held here regularly. The crowd seem to be mostly students but with some older and younger fans in the mix too. First support is Sohla from Norwich. He plays his laptop like all your memories of the 80s music scene meshed into one tight sound. He's really proficient and produces a deep, multilayered sound, drawing on all kinds of dance sound from jungle to minimalist James Blake type music. It's really really good.
Second support is Dom Harwood, who makes darker, more complex electronica. There are some whistle sounds from the crowd and it certainly livens up the fans. It loses its way somewhat after the first few tracks and becomes rather repetitive - certainly not as intriguing as Sohla's sound.
After a decent break, the chaps from Mount Kimbie appear on stage, accompanied by some rather interesting visuals - it appears to be hundreds of photos they must've taken whilst on tour in Asia. There are shots of people doing odd things in the street, the inside of taxis, people waking up...it's a good idea. I always like it when electronica acts provide visuals; so much more interesting than just watching a guy on a laptop. Mount Kimbie have brought a live bassist, drummer and keyboardist along with them and it really fills out their sound to give a more rounded effect, as well as looking more impressive on stage. They play tracks from both their albums, particularly their most recent, 'Cold Spring Fault Less Youth', which has been reviewed very favourably by critics. Mount Kimbie are ace at creating a wall of sound and getting the crowd going; they have the confidence to take their time in building a track up and show a real belief in the sounds they have made and collected to stand not only on their own but in a new combination of their own making. It's such a pleasure to see these guys enjoying performing to an eager audience, and to think how far they've already come from their bedrooms. They play a totally sterling set and we go away satisfied, hoping they'll come again soon.
Lizz
