Moody Gowns
Live at Santiago on Saturday, 13th February 2010
I struggle to think of a band that could fit the bill of 'Mad Hatters Tea Party' more suitably than the Moody Gowns.
Santiago, Saturday night, screaming flashing green sun glasses and an old hi-vis jacket, with the combination of gormless grumbling and squeaks worthy of Michael Jackson, reggae, dance and 4 part vocal harmonies. To top it off an old woman's ramblings triggered off a laptop added with the diversity of the players/instruments provided the full, 'recorded' finesse.
A theatrical front man Nathan Moseley opens the set with chords played percussively on a Ukulele. With the looks of Sid Vicious he demands attention, waving his arms like a bowl of jelly and pulling ridiculous faces. He eventually gives the synth line a miss and settles for the 'how many keys can I squash with my hand' approach, a manic perspective only adding to the 'one-off' performance.
His right hand man on rhythm guitar Seb Forrest carries the top of the harmonies with a contrastingly clear voice to the gritty singers.
Bassist Liam Kane seems fascinated by the ceiling, which, may have something to do with his stylishly slick groove. Lead guitarist Sean McGhee adds to the collage of madness, with intricate riffs and lines emphasising certain lyrics, executed with stage moves from a Foals set.
Amongst all this energetic lunacy, drummer 'Tree'(Rob Moutrey) still manages to hold back with the subtlety of Nick Mason and keeps the beat flawlessly, this is whilst manipulating it like a very bored mad scientist.
An unpredictable set, though you could just get your head round the hook before the end of the song; however the nature of changing grooves even twice in a song can be frustrating and off putting.
Songs with titles such as Drink tea all day and Don't let the church stop you do not disappoint contextually or lyrically. The opening line 'I stole from a florist' will always have you adding sugars to your tea.
