Gecko vs Rolf Harris
Posted by jamie on Feb 1, 2012
Lovable ragamuffins Gecko are playing a show with Rolf Harris. yes, really. And Rizzle Kicks! And JIMMY CLIFF! Excited? You will be.
Here’s what Will said:
we’re playing the Big Top Tent at Camp Bestival with Jimmy Cliff, Earth Wind and Fire, Hot chip, Little Dragon, Chic, Kool and the Gang, Scroobius Pip, Rizzle Kicks, DJ Yoda, Rolf Harris, Prince Fatty, Fantastic Mr Fox, Sound of Rum, Henry Rollins and Adam Ant amongst others
Get Bestival and/or Camp Bestival tickets here.
Skints: Fam’s Christmas Party 2011
Posted by jamie on Dec 28, 2011
The Skints, Random Impulse, Gecko
Nambucca, London
27th December 2011
Jamie
This show gets bigger every year. The Skints had admitted that it “broke their souls” to have to turn 50-odd fans back in to the cold as the fam’s Christmas party for 2010 sold out twice and would-be revellers were still turning up on the off-chance.
A year on, we’ve moved down the road to Nambucca. Again, it’s fierce cold outside, but on stepping inside we find a familiarly sated post-Christmas room. It’s two days after Christmas, and the heavy excesses have taken their toll: enough people in here have eaten so much as to be constantly sleepy, and a few haven’t stopped drinking since Christmas eve. There’s a proper party atmosphere, though, just as you’d expect when the Skints headline in London, and the sense of happy camaraderie is palpable.
We don’t find out why, but doors are opened late. It just means more pub time, though.
Gecko open up with customary, easy-going charm. Their distinctive, idiosyncratic blend of easygoing, dancefloor-friendly pop is as addictive as ever, and their unique sense of humour is an instant hit: perfect for this gathering crowd that’s still in the swing of the festive season and bang up for being entertained.
Gecko, of course, are consummate entertainers and they’re in sparkling form here. Got Science is underway before Will appears on stage, and they’re instantly in full swing, moving straight in to Best Friend, from their new Pigeon EP before adding Perkie to their line-up for their new cover, Kelis’s Millionaire. Her rich, soft voice is the perfect complement to Will and Gabe’s vocal. Si’s bass is really high in the mix, too, and the combined effect is ultra-smooth and just a little bit down-and-dirty. It all comes together perfectly, and Gecko are incredible: wonderfully danceable, and irresistibly good fun. I Got Time is a personal highlight, though Safest Bet, joined into What You Gonna Do? and later Gotta Wait are the real crowd pleasers. By their last song, Pigeon, the whole room is merrily singing, or shouting, along and the night’s off to a fantastic start.
Random Impulse* has brought his own crowd with him. Even despite their unique-ness (I know) he’s instantly, strikingly different from Gecko. Random Impulse is a rapper who also sings, rather than the other way around, and, backed by a guitar band, has fused giant, distorted riffs and a visceral, properly punk rock energy in to his dirty take on grime. Tonight the riffs are bigger and more brutal than ever.
He’s only got a short set, yet Random Impulse races through it at chaotic, breakneck pace. By Holding on til Thursday the room is a giddy, bouncing mess of jumping feet, sliding on a sheen of beer and sweat, and pumping fists. His next track, Still They Sing, is, appropriately, about singing along badly when drunk. It’s scarcely necessary, but he asks everyone to join in with the “la la la la”, as badly as possible. Thanks to the efforts of his own band, it turns in to an oddly shouty metal song, but it’s brilliant fun throughout. Rightly observing that the more melodic Best Party Ever will be a gentler end to the set and a relief from what has been something of an onslaught. Though I do mean that in an enjoyable, positive sense, I doubt I’m the only one gasping by the end.
The Skints enter to a hero’s reception from a room that, by now, is shoulder to shoulder from front to back, and has been jostling for position almost since Random Impulse left the stage.
Again, there’s precious little time for chatter, and they’re straight in to a gigantic set, packed with hits. It’s messy right from the start, and difficult even to stand up such as pushing, swaying, heaving sweaty mesh we’re all tied together in. It gets hot in the back room at Nambucca, but this is on another level.
While the Skints are playing Mindless, there are two points where we all almost fall over. Then the crowd-surfers start to come over the top of us, and then, at the third attempt, the whole pit ends up lying on each other’s legs. It’s moments like this that stay with you forever, eh? Bright Girl, predictably, and Lay You Down go down a storm too.
Fairly soon Josh is observing that they’ll need a bigger room again for this show next year, and soon has to remind a few bods that we’re all here for a good time. He does it in inimitable style:
“If it was me who’d come to see us, and I got beaten up and it ruined my New Year’s, I know I wouldn’t be happy. We’re not one of those bands who tells you to beat the shit out of each other because we think we’re cool..”
Just like earlier, their cover of Sam Cooke’s You Send Me is a timely breather. New single Ratatat is a proper party song, and then the Skints wrap up with Murderer and then Change the Channel. They return for an encore of Up Against the Wall and finally Culture Vulture, and there’s the promise of free shots from the bar as well. It’s testament to the excesses of the season, and of tonight in particular, that a few of us just can’t take no more**
* We’ve linked to this Guardian article on Random Impulse because we really liked it.
** See what I did there? They played that too, by the way.
Skints / Gecko / Random Impulse: Christmas show
Posted by jamie on Dec 20, 2011
This year the Skints’ Christmas party has moved down the road to Nambucca. Support will come from lovably impish acoustic-ska-pop raggamuffins Gecko and the ridiculously brilliant Random Impulse.
See it on facebook here.
Get tickets here.
Gecko: the Pigeon EP
Posted by jamie on Nov 15, 2011
Gecko
Pigeon EP – Self released, 2011
15th November 2011
Jamie
I’ve been running out of superlatives to describe Gecko for a while now. If you’re familiar with them, I suppose, it should almost be enough for me just to write that, with the Pigeon EP, they’ve done it again.
It would be the shortest review I’d ever have written, but, in a way, it would sum this up nicely. The only problem, is that it’s sort of difficult to believe that they can keep on and on getting better and better. But they have, again, and the proof has just arrived.
If you’re not familiar with Gecko’s music, then you’ve been missing out big time. Prepare to have your horizons broadened and your heart lifted up inside you with love and joy.
Gecko play an uplifting, melodic sort of ska/pop that’s half acoustic, and covered in harmonies, and do it in such a way that they’re at once uniquely, charmingly, thoroughly innovative and completely distinctive and at the same time also knowingly and unapologetically pastiches all of the best and most satisfying hooks from so many years of classic pop song-writing. With the way that they play at times, you get the feeling that they could be anything they wanted to be, but yet it’s still patently clear that they just want to be themselves. And who wouldn’t, after all?
Opener Best Friend is a charmingly shiny, positive tale of friendship, as relatable and reassuring as I Got Time, and even catchier. It’s got a lovely little refrain that, with the harmonies, could have come straight from the vintage pop song book, and those incisive, uniquely, surreally descriptive lyrics and quick-fire vocal that set Gecko apart. And there’s a xylophone.
The title track, Pigeon, would be the anthem to most summers, a Here Comes the Sun for our generation. Contrarily, Gecko have released it twice this year, first in January, and now again in November. Right now, it’s helping my speakers to defy the weather outside, all infectious, anthemic, acoustic tropical energy. Recorded in January, it’s the only track to include Maisie Sanderson-Thwaite on backing vocals. Gecko’s own private anthem, Guanabana Juice, has, at last been re-recorded, and sounds strikingly different all of a sudden. There’s a plaintive, soulful, latin-style guitar part picked out to follow Will’s vocal from the second verse through as the song builds to a steady crescendo.
Another new song, Understand, brings the disc to a close. It’s a very understated little song, lo-fi even for Gecko, but beautiful in its simplicity and unflinchingly candid in its emotions, and instantly relatable for that. Almost as soon as it’s started, it’s gone, though, and the disc is finished. Incredibly, Gecko have, indeed, done this again.
The Pigeon EP is out now. The boys will make each one by hand. Ask them for a copy here.
Gecko: Safest Bet (reviewed)
Posted by jamie on Sep 23, 2011
Gecko
Safest Bet (Single) – Self released, 2011
23rd September 2011
Jamie
There’s just something about Gecko that’s instantly, irresistibly, infectiously cheering. Without being like any other band, they somehow manage to produce the most wonderfully uplifting, totally idiosyncratic gems of pop songs that you can’t help yourself but fall so far in love with them so fast that they should come with some kinds of health warning.
The simple thing to do here would be to type that in Safest Bet they’ve just done it again. It deserves better than that, though, and so we discuss.
There’s a simple, catchy little intro plucked from Will’s guitar before the tune kicks in. Instantly, it’s a glorious jungle of trademark Gecko vocal harmonies and some lovely, almost steel-drum work from Gabe on keys.
Of course, the chorus is irresistibly, charmingly infectious – it could make Eeyore happy. It’s best listened to while jumping up and down, but you’ll find yourself doing that anyway. And then there’s Will’s words: there can’t be many better lyricists around right now. My favourite right now is “turn your back on logic and faceplant in to greenery”, but, if you’re anything like me, you’ll find a new gem every time. The second verse descends in to a joyously surreal skit about having a tiger as a pet, “an altogether unsuccessful outing, especially when he started growling”.
It’s tough to keep up with Will: it’s like watching two MCs battle on fast forward, in some sort of rap/stand-up comedy face off thing. I guess that’s why you’ll always find new hidden gems in his lyrics, and why you’ll be laughing as well as dancing and inevitably having to remember to breathe while you’re singing, but I promise you you’ll love this.
It’s packed with all the usual charm, and, despite the fact that they’ve been constantly surpassing themselves for years, Gecko have done it again.
In case the song wasn’t gloriously surreal enough, there’s even a video here. Or you can get the song for free here. In return, show them some love here.
Gecko: “Safest Bet” unleashed
Posted by jamie on Sep 19, 2011
*FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW*
The impossibly witty, endlessly lovable acoustic ska-pop urchins Gecko today release latest single Safest Bet as a free download. You can get it here.
Miacca, Def City Collect, Gecko & Joe York: reviewed live at New Cross Inn
Posted by jamie on Sep 16, 2011
Miacca, Def City Collect, Gecko, Joe YorkNew Cross Inn,
London
12th September, 2011
Jamie
Tonight’s bill was superb even after the original headliners, the Drop, unfortunately became unavailable when they discovered, if rumours are to be believed*, that one of their members was on the Isle of Wight during the afternoon.
Just a few days ago, the Drop had played the Toots and the Maytals after-party a few miles away, where the door price was twice tonight’s. To get five bands and a DJ (the Skints’ Josh Rudge, no less) for £5 is a feather in the cap (no pun intended) of Men With Hats promotions, a new promoter who have already helped to put on some really exciting shows.
As the Drop have *ahem* dropped out, there’s time to amble about before the show starts, and for a jovial, curly-haired gentleman on the door to take his time drawing unique entry stamps on all of our hands and arms in blue Sharpie. Mine was a skull and cross-bones, in case you’re wondering.
In due time, Joe York is up first. He’s chipper, and, while there’s talk of him forming a new band, he’s clearly enjoying his new solo incarnation. Joe performs a short, spiky solo set with infectious confidence, a grin, and a guitar. It’s somewhere between reggae and the sort of folk that gave us punk: articulate, aware, and angry where it ought to be. Just right, really. There’s room for a couple of Scrumptious Biscuit songs and even a cover of the Skints’ Mindless, with a bashful acknowledgement that Josh is already here. As throughout, though, he carries the song off well.
Next up are the Likely Lizards, a semi-acoustic incarnation of Bananatown favourites Gecko which start off as just Will and Gabe but later adds Si as well. The setlist is similar, but the songs, of course, sound notably different: softer, more relaxed and ever-so-slightly more soulful. With neither Amy nor Maisie present, Gabe is on his own on backing vocals, and harmonises perfectly with Will on lead. Too Much, in particular, and I Got Time are treats, but the stand-out moment is a stunning cover of the Temptations’ My Girl. It’s slowed almost to a walking pace and sung in pitch-perfect three-part harmony. I’ve not seen them do this before, but we can only hope it pops up in their live set more often. Their cover of Cleaning Out My Closet is also even better stripped down to its bare bones: more immediate, and even further removed from the original which just reinforces that distinctive, idiosyncratic Gecko charm.
They’re short on time, but Gecko manage to get away with not playing Guanabana Juice thanks to cheeky, impish cocksure charm and the quality of the new song that turned up in its place. That’s pretty much what they’re about, I guess, and it’s certainly what we get from them tonight: impishly lovable, distinctively idiosyncratic and with ridiculously good songs. Tonight they’re stripped down for the acoustic set, and still sound lovely, just in a different way.
Brighton’s Def City Collect are a different proposition altogether, but thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless. They’re relatively new as a band, and still charmingly raw, but mish-mash punk, ska and hip-hop together at speed and with boisterous enthusiasm. There’s seven of them on the little stage, and moving around so much it’s a wonder nobody falls off. They don’t, all the same, and in the meantime a good time is had by all: their songs are peppy throughout, and enjoyably raucous at times, and always have loads going on: the basslines are huge, and they’ve got three vocalists, two guitarists and keys.
It’s the first time I’ve watched them, and so it’s sort of a rule that I sit down and pay attention. That said, they seem irresistibly danceable, and have most of the room squashed together in a little posse in front of them, pogoing up and down. Given that it’s their first London show and that they presumably filled up their van on their own, I guess it’s fair to say that they went down pretty well.
Without the drop, Miacca have been promoted to headline, and step up nonchalantly. The room’s been filling up steadily since doors, and they’ve got a big old crowd in front of them now. They roll through their original songs with practised ease showing off all the gems on their first EP With love and Anger, and a down-and-dirty cover of Sublime’s Santeria that’s heavy enough on the bass and boozy, gravelly enough to be strikingly faithful and completely belie the bashful introduction it got from Smash: “you’ll probably know this one better than us”, she blushed, but they nailed it.
More surprising was their seasick, skankadelic roll through George Michael’s Careless Whispers. It shouldn’t work, but it really, really does. It’s an impressive performance: short and sharp, but with enough quality in the songs and in the performance to suggest that Miacca could go on to be the next big thing. Tonight’s for having fun, though, and they’ve brought that by the bucket. We’re all positively glowing by the time Josh takes to the decks. That was as good as you’d expect. I’m sure I don’t need to say more.
*It’s probably not responsible to repeat every rumour one hears, and believe me, we don’t. But sometimes it’s just good fun and other times a chap needs to post his article and can’t get his facts checked in time.
Skints / Gecko / Miacca: big fat London show
Posted by jamie on Sep 8, 2011
Look alive, South London. Our diamond geezers at Men With Hats announce this beast.
Yes, that is Miacca, and Will and Gabe from Gecko, and Josh out of the Skints. Oh, and Joe from Scrumptious Biscuit, Def City Collect and the Drop as headline.
Gecko: Safest Bet
Posted by jamie on Aug 31, 2011
Loveable acoustic/samba/hip-hop ragamuffins Gecko release new single Safest Bet on 19th September. We’ve got it already, and will be reviewing for you soon.
The video drops next week. Apparently, little Chips Sanchez has found his way into it. See if you can see him when that comes out.
In the mean time, have a little peek at the single artwork..
Gecko: Cafe 1001
Posted by jamie on Jul 20, 2011
Gecko
Café 1001, Brick Lane (London)
20th July 2011
Jamie
It’s been a while since I had a chance to watch acoustic ska/soul/pop ragamuffins Gecko. For one reason or another, stuff just seemed to keep on happening on the days they’ve performed in London. There are downsides to having friends and relatives who get married and have babies or birthdays, and the lack of Gecko in my life has been one of them.
Their shows with Music Born are always a treat, though: doors are free, and Brick Lane in summer time fairly sizzles with an enjoyably laid back and communal party atmosphere. Everyone comes to have fun and it’s difficult not to make new friends and/or bump in to a few old ones. Add to that the bars, bowling alley and curry restaurants just around the corner and the best bagels and cakes in East London and you’re set pretty fair.
Tonight’s no exception. It’s hot and very, very muggy outside. In between showers, there’s still loads of rain hanging in the air and lots of it on the ground as we sloshed our way down to Café 1001.
Gecko arrived on stage at 22:30, which is standard for headliners here, and quickly turned the place in to a joyous, homely love-in and sing-along at the same time. They always bring a big crowd in London anyway, but make new friends easily with their catchy, uplifting pop melodies, giant smiles and cheeky-chappy stage banter. It’s a winning combination anywhere, but in a place that’s so friendly and open-minded, on a night where everyone’s come to party, it just has to go off, and it did, with a giant bang.
Elephant Road and What You Gonna Do? Are out first, and those of us who knew them were singing along already. Then Will stops to teach any newbies the choruses to the Library. They had to play it one and a half times because of some feedback, but he raises a big laugh by putting that in to his audience-participation spiel as well. Then he’s got his really funny lyrics, which always work well live as well: “because if you turn it over, it isn’t a new leaf, it’s just the same leaf upside down”, is a gem, and by now everyone’s bobbing up and down and swaying a bit. That’s as much as room as you get to move around in here, because you have to stand shoulder to shoulder if you want to actually see the band. We ended up in front of Si’s monitor once, but it was an accident. Promise.
Falling Down is wonderful, and there’s a rare outing for Daylight Done, which goes down a treat as well. It’s just the four lads on stage tonight, so I Got Time and Miss Jackson do sound a little different, but they’re excellent songs and the lads do them well. In case proof were needed of just how happy Gecko can make a room full of people, they’ve managed to make their new cover songs, Cleaning Out My Closet and Paper Planes in to breezy, up-beat acoustic sing alongs, and make everybody in here sing and smile. Thinking about it, it shouldn’t be possible, but in here there’s no other option but to enjoy it. After these, and imminent new single Safest Bet, there’s just time for Camden and most recent single Pigeon round things off. Inevitably, though, they pop back for a cheeky encore: Guanabana was never going to miss out, and Gotta Wait gets an outing too. They’ve been excellent: uplifting, irresistibly danceable and impossibly good fun throughout, but now it’s home time. Still, it’s easy to get some amazing chocolate brownies here til very late at night. Winner.
