Reviews

conscripts

“Work can be fun because you can photocopy your arse” were the first words I heard as I went down to the cellar bar. No it’s not Mr. Dick Stroker cracking his filthy gags again. It was Rob Spalding making light conversation before going into his acoustic support slot and singing “nothing’s forever but it feels like it should be forever”. No photocopiers in eternity evidently! I have heard Rob play a number of times and his music has a very soothing feel to it. His lyrics are very introspect and at times philosophical and his vocals have a comforting familiarity about them. Good traits for an acoustic singer/songwriter to have! In ‘Under The Moon’ he sang “the world has got me so confused, why is the world so full of fear? These are the strings that keep me here”, followed by “seeing the stars is what keeps me sane, underneath the moon I was seeking my reflection.”

This is the kind of thing you want to hear when you’ve closed your bedroom door after a long day and just want time to sit and think. Although he doesn’t usually play covers, he played two tributes to John Martyn utilising a similar accent and delicate picking style. Three originals dealing with themes of detachment and, more importantly , hope followed on. In ‘County Of Sky’ he sung about that feeling we all get at one time or another of feeling that we’re on the outside looking in and wanting to simply fly away. “Deep deep down I don’t feel like I’m from this town”. He left us with a positive outlook in the last two songs singing “I wasn’t born for fighting, I was only born for playing, all I want to do is pleasurize my brain” and “I saw goodness in the darkest place, messages from space could be all around you.” An interesting and thoughtful point to leave us with.

Next up are The Conscripts. A 5-piece concoction of styles all thrown into a mixer to produce one funky milkshake. Drums, guitar, bass (courtesy of the only female Josie), keys, trumpets, samples and scratching were the ingredients. The first song was introduced as being “not entirely serious” with a chorus of “your so in love with yourself”. The bassist Josie and the guitarist shared the vocals creating some very sexy harmonies that complemented the smooth lounge vibe, prevalent especially in the first song. The keyboardist was a dark horse.

One minute he’s playing a gentle electric piano backing, the next minute he’s turned into some mad jazz trumpet maestro backed up by some fantastic scratching from the man on the decks. It was nice to hear something different. I started swaying (not from booze tonight) as the time signature changed to 5/4 and the guitarist sat down with the bongos to create a trippy groove that gave me a huge craving to see my friend Mary. Smoke was gently rising over the grey streets of suburbia courtesy of the drummer who also had a talent for the trumpet demonstrated in the third number ‘World Beginnings’. I tended to be drawn into the music rather than the lyrics but I did get the impression that a lot of political subjects were sung about.

World Beginnings was all about the downfall of world capitalism. Electro noises and samples heralded the fourth track that had a paced jogging rhythm to it. “You speak of the truth but where are the legions?” A mental electro keyboard solo highlighted the question. A song about suddenly finding something followed. “I’m not going to tell you what, use your imagination!” I never did find out. Dangerous hands on the decks for the song ‘About Time’ before the drummer completely won us over (as if he hadn’t already) by playing the trumpet and the drums at the same time! I swear! Great musicians playing a very cool upbeat mix of jazz, funk, lounge and even ska in places. These guys would be great at a party!

http://www.myspace.com/conscripts2000

This article is the copyright property of Moles Company Ltd. It may be copied freely without permission or payment, but any copies of this article must contain this copyright ownership notice, and include the entirety of this statement including the link to the Moles website.

Ed Hutchinson