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Post at the Newtown Theatre
Published on 29/12/06
by matt
I’m really into James Wilkinson’s new record as Post, but the gig as karaoke show tonight was disappointing.
It must have been intimidating working out how to perform such an intricate and studio-bound album live. Some performers can take that challenge on their own, Jamie Liddell’s a perfect example (in fact, he is far better live, solo, than on record – I’m yet to hear what his new full band thing sounds like). Others get a band together or forgo touring. Wilkinson played solo.
But whatever the route, at some point a live performance has to offer something. With a pedigree in bands like High Pass Filter and Bucketrider he is no stranger to live performance. But pressing play on your newly released CD and then playing a succession of instruments over the top seems like a bit of a cop out. Even if they are played beautifully – for example, Wilkinson added deliciously timed farty rhythm with a huge conch shell, he intro-ed the whole thing with an (initially unaccompanied) roar into the microphone, and he played trombone and cornet. People in the audience felt it though, especially the “Right on Jimmy!” guy in front of me.
Seaworthy were wonderful as the early support. The venue’s cool too.
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