The last of the 10-date Beehoover ‘Primitive Powers’ tour comes to an end in London, with the avantgardistic German duo bringing their psyched out noise to The Black Heart. Unfortunately, support act, Noisepicker, have had to pull out of this evening’s show. On the bright side, however, the remaining two bands get longer sets!
The Earls of Mars kick things off; a mixture of metal, jazz and swing that combines to create a near 60 minutes of total insanity, their mad genius provides a soundscape which has half of the crowd dancing, while the others start a pit. The thrashy doom of ‘Fisticuffs’ is a definite pleaser, but it’s ‘The Swinger’ that really switches up the atmosphere – from 1920s speakeasy, to drunken pub brawl – all, of course, encouraged by frontman Harry Armstrong. The band perform with all the professionalism and enthusiasm of a headline act, so despite being the only supporting act for this evening, people are getting more than their money’s worth. Outrageously fun.
With their usual laissez-faire attitude, Beehoover take to the stage with their usual set-up, both Claus (drums) and a barefoot Ingmar (bass/vocals) sat facing each other. The chilled out vibe on stage gives the impression that we are privy to an intimate jam session rather than a public show. Despite possessing a stripped down line-up of the bare boned minimum, they in no way limit themselves, instead compensating with overwhelming show-off of talent. They sprinkle everything from kraut rock and psychedelia to doom, jazz and Americana into their performance and it makes for the most mesmerising musical experience anyone present will likely hear for a long time. The flow of the songs seems more natural than structured, showcasing an entire spectrum of moods that are absolutely fascinating. As their set draws to a close, people shout for not just one, but two more; of course, Beehoover are happy to oblige and the rhythmic lullabies continue.
(Review by Angela Davey)
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