65DaysOfStatic at KoKo
65DaysOfStatic – KoKo – 12 May 2010
Words by Adam Jenkins / Photo’s by Brendan Montiero
The Sheffeild four-piece are near the end of their current UK tour and are playing their second to last show here tonight at Koko in Camden. A venue that has stayed true to its theatrical roots, one could not have asked for a better setting for these to lads to perform their unique sound to a packed out venue.
65 Days kick off their set with drummer Rob Jones pounding single down-beats on an acoustic floor tom left of the stage. The rest of the band filter on and begin the set colouring the spaces in between with keys, bass and guitars as Jones increases intensity and then moves without notice to the full drum kit set up centre stage. Relentless rhythms power through as the crowd slowly move and grin from ear to ear as if to say “it has begun”. Hearing this type of beautiful and dramatic music for the first time is like smearing honey all over Megan Fox and eating it up with a small spoon. The boys continue to up the electronic ante as the set progresses making the most out of all the technology they have on stage. Guitarists Joe Shrewsbury and Paul Wilinski dont stop moving the entire set using laptops, keys and an arrangement of guitar pedals to construct a technically flawless sound that ebbs and fades throughout the show.
Although they have many sounds at their disposal the tones and textures used are unique and thought about as each song has its own feel and colour. I must admit having watched the set for about 30 minutes, one does ask the question whether or not they could do with a vocalist. A topic probably on most peoples minds but then again these lads don’t feel the need to have one and there music doesn’t necessarily require or have the space for vocals any way. On a commercial level some would beg to differ but this is what makes this band completely unique. It allows them to chop and change the set without compromise and gives them liberty to truly experiment in a live setting so every show is never the same. Halfway through the set Jones has a field day swapping and changing acoustic drums for electronic drums. He sets the tempo and loops the track and off they go again. ‘Await Rescue’ all four members take up sticks-man duties and drive away on the floor toms.
65 Days know how make a clear distinction between light and shade, soft and loud, and the subtle details within their songs. This band is seriously going places and judging by the crowd here tonight I know there is a a whole hoard of us willing to come along for the ride. Tonight was a refreshing change and it was awesome to see something different from the norm. Hats off to the boys from Sheffeild for a flawless show and be sure to check them out this summer for up coming festivals and shows.
