Originally forming as a DJ duo, on the side of their indie band, Simian, Jas Shaw and James Ford have been responsible for 'tearing up dance floors' across the country, and remixing big name artists such as Klaxons, Air and Muse.
On tour in the UK at the moment in support of their latest full length album, 'Temporary Pleasure', the band played a live set at Newcastle major nightclub, Digital, to a devoted number of fans.
Their latest album, which features vocal inputs from the likes of Gruff Rhys, the lead singer of Welsh indie-rockers Super Furry Animals, and Alexis Taylor, front man of London electro band Hot Chip, as well as the infamous Beth Ditto, has seen the band take a much more 'minimal' approach to their music.
This new direction, unfortunately, has seemed to alienate a large number of fans, as tonight's show was far from a sell-out, which is disappointing, considering that less than a year and half ago, the band played the same venue and sold out instantly.
However, those that did attend were not left disappointed, as straight from the off, Shaw and Ford proceeded to deliver a fantastic set.
Their set concentrated heavily on their new album, with singles 'Synthesise' and '10,000 Horses Can't Be Wrong' sounding fantastic, really showing off their new minimal sounds off well. But it was 'Audacity of Huge', which features Chris Keating from American indie/alt band Yeasayer, which proved to be one of the highlights of the set.
However, personally, I'm much more of fan of their debut album 'Attack Decay Sustain Release', which was released in 2007, and featured much more stylized and synth based electro, in comparison to their latest work.
It was from this album that the really great moments of the set came from, with 'It's the Beat' and in particular, 'Hustler' simply sounding fantastic, creating frenzy on the dance floor.
Performing live, the duo seem at home, continually playing keyboards and synthesizers, starting new samples on their desk, and it's something that definitely needs to be witnessed.
One of the more difficult things about dance acts performing live is the loss of connection with the audience, but for Shaw and Ford it certainly didn't seem to be a problem, with many audience members simply following each of their moves with their eyes whilst continually dancing.
It's their fantastic live shows that even landed the duo a support slot for arguably one of the greatest dance duo's of all time, The Chemical Brothers, and I think that they are one of the few bands that could ever go on after Simian Mobile Disco and continue the party, as from their performance tonight, I certainly wouldn't want to go on and try and top their performance.
It's disappointing that the venue wasn't as full as it could be, but it can only be a sign of the times, with musical tastes continually changing, but for those that have stuck with, they certainly weren't disappointed. A definite must see live.
article by: Anthony Hetherington
published: 14/10/2009 12:51
FUTURE GIGS
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