From the moment the trumpet fan fair started to play, announcing the intro to "Superstylin’" Groove Armada knew they were on a winner. The crowd were already bouncing up and down before we had even got to the bass pumping chorus. And when the bass finally did kick in, it was as if the whole place had turned into some sort of convention for epilepsy sufferers, as people hurled themselves all over the place.
The Hordern went off big style. And why not, "Superstylin’’, is without doubt GA’s finest work so far.
And before long it was time to "Rewind Mr Selector, rewind" as the music was momentarily halted, slammed and squealed into reverse and started all over again. Obviously GA approved of the crowds reaction, as Andy Cato, one half of the English duo, announced to the audience, that they had just given Groove Armada their finest hour.
Sadly that was pretty much the highlight of an evening that started just a bit too late for some folk.
"11:30! Are you fucking sure mate?" said one person."And on a school night too" said another.
A number of people were still showing the signs of what had been already, a very long weekend. Some had been to the BDO or Vibes a couple of days before. And with the effects of that still wearing off, and that dreaded Tuesday morning, back to work feeling growing inside of them with every hour that passed, it was always going to be hard to get in the mood for this one.
A glance at the watch earlier showed the time was 7:30pm, there was only one thing left to do….GET THE BEERS IN!
When going to the Hordern to watch a band, I do recommend going to the Fox & Lion in Fox Studios, for a few swiftees before hand. However, be warned, the chances are you will hear every tune from the band you are going to see played on the juke box before you get into the arena. Don’t you just hate it when they do that.
GA , it has to be said is not the most ideal band to go and watch live, Andy Cato and Tom Findlay backed by the six piece band, work hard to provide a true live experience of Groove Armada. But sadly, there is no Keith Flints (The Prodigy) to provide some sort of face to the band or for the fans to have some sort of affinity with.
Nor do they have the same driving rhythm and pace of shows, done by the likes of The Chemical Bros, that would allow you to not to give two shits about who is on stage and just get into the music.
What they do have tho, is a blend of laid back chilled out tunes mixed in with a few classic club tracks. "If Everybody Looks the Same" was just one track other than the afore mentioned "Superstylin’" that really got the crowd pumping.
This could well have had a lot to do with the vocals supplied by singer Celetia Martin, who was without doubt the only one on stage who made a real connection with her audience. This she underlined with the sickly sweet track "My Friend". Which is the kind of track that makes you want to just throw your arms around the person standing next to you and give them a big hug and a kiss. (you been takin’ those disco cookies again Michael? -–Frase)
Anyway, after the shock of being punched in the face by the person next to me for kissing him (not surprised), it was time for all to start waving their arms in the air from side to side, and sing along to "The River". The Lyrics of which are best sung under the influence of either:
A) Lots of alcohol. B) Lots of drugs. or C) Lots of alcohol & drugs.
The lyrics are as follows "If you’re fond of sand dunes and salty air, quaint little villages here and there" (repeat forever and ever and ever….)
A few tracks off their latest album were played, Drifted, and Fogma to name but two. The night was completed in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, with a cover version of one of my favorite tunes "Move On Up" by Curtis Mayfield, once again with Celetia Martin providing the vocals along with Tim Hutton.
Overall, Groove Armada did not quite live up to my expectations, but it has to be said that "Superstylin’" really did knock em dead.
Most bizarre moment of the evening:
Being told by one of the bar staff at The Hordern Pavilion that I could not have the top of my bottle of water that I spent $4 bucks on, because of, (wait for it)…. security reasons?????????
Go figure!
Michael Sommers- redbackrock.com
