ROCOCO + BLACK LINES + DJ PYE + DJ RAGE,
'CROYDON's ELEPHANT BAR.' 10/ 4/ 03.
This absolute, resolute belter of a gig was the first of hopefully many 'co-operative' gigs to infinity and beyond organised by the ominous-sounding 'Collective.' No, 'The Collective' is not some hardcore cult, nor is it affiliated in anyway with any Urban Cookies.
'The Collective' is the brainchild of one half of Rococo, Mr. Matthew Searles, who - at the beginning of 2003 - admirably conceded that it's very difficult to make waves in the music underground on oneself, so he got in touch with various bands, djs, reviewers and gig promoters he knew he could rely on to ask them if they would like to join him in this joint venture where everyone helps everyone with the best advice, contacts and feedback about the music either that they play and love, or that they simply listen to and love.
Members of 'The Collective' thus far include the 2 bands featured at this gig, plus 'music underground' empires 'JUXTA' and 'GLAMAGE,' the damn fine DJs 'Pye' and 'the Rage,' and last but not least, Gloucester's singer-songwriter extraordinaire Dan Pierce.
DJ 'the Rage,' despite his imposing stage-name, isn't mad in the least. He loves his music and is a mellow man at heart, with sentimental soft spots for dance music, and Depeche Mode and Rococo in particular. I presume his DJ name is niftily derived from his real name Paul Seeraj, who is all for promoting eclecticism in his hugely varied sets. Tonight he played 2 sets, both before and after Rococo, skillfully shuffling tunes into the venue from bands as diverse and as melancholically melodic as Coldplay, Royksopp, Radiohead and The Avalanches. Little wonder then that this guy has been invited into the hush-hush 'Collective' empire of like-minded souls and music obsessives with tastes this broad.
BLACK LINES were the token Alt.-rock band for the night, making the best of their brief but beautifully executed and subtly exhilarating set that obligatorily included their classic anthem in 'Evacuate Now!' Fronted by Paul Colto, this Surrey-sussed bunch of lads fully realise their own potential and are destined to go far. But for the time being they were happy enough to rock in the small upstairs haven of 'The Elephant Bar,' and so were all those who witnessed their set.
Rococo's 12-song strong set was far removed from Black Line's, and that's the beauty of 'The Collective' conglomerate. The music made and promoted within has huge variety in styles, with Rococo's epic ambition bouncing off their eclectic panorama of influences that willfully incorporate only the tastiest beats, breaks, clever lyrics, jazz snatches and lush pop catches. The lovely Jasmine Searles (yes, Matt's wife� NOT sister!) is the angelic voice of the two-some, as Matt smartly stands himself behind his keyboard and mini-disc player graced with uber-cool samples that are mixed gracefully into, over and out their own magical, sultry compositions. Opening with 'It's On,' what first strikes you is just how chilled these 2 are. Maybe that's what their home London suburb of Croydon does for you (I must admit, it is a great place)� maybe it's their positive attitude to life, love and music. Moreover, maybe it's because they are so confident that they're music is genuinely worth hearing they know they've got nothing to worry about, and just do what they do in their own time, their own way, their own laid back style.
'Me My Drums and You' is one of their most upbeat numbers, while the exquisite melody of 'The Next Life' is Rococo's most spellbinding song of searing brilliance as Jas' soothingly mournful and melancholy vocal laments fleetingly remind of Sade's most soulful moments before Matt's dance-beat kicks into the otherwise bare-backed mix to result in a truly compelling song. Older cuts in 'Is Nothing Sacred?,' 'Worship Music' and 'Ground Zero' perfectly led up to 'Old Skool': the ultimate sensitized and reflective dance-pop anthem for a new generation of crossover dance music lovers. A generation that is currently in its infancy, yes, but that is sure to be raised respectfully by bands of this genuinely original caliber. Yes� Rococo are in effect 'Emo-dance' in that Matt and Jas are both cultured intellectuals, and he means what he plays while she plays on our willingness to admit to ourselves that dance music isn't all beat-plastered, lyrically dire or emotionally devoid of real heart and soul. In fact, Rococo's 'Bigger Than Soul' - fittingly - and then their newest tracks in the 'Will To Lose' and their funky interpretation of Nina Simone's classic 'Some Say' were effectively the final nails in old skool dance's coffin and spluttering reputation.
Rococo are fresher and more revitalizing than an oasis of Wrigley's chewing gum dispensers and a fountain of the finest wine at the heart of the Sahara, helped quirkily along in this gig instance with healthy crowd interaction, cr�me eggs and party poppers for fun, fun, fun and smiles on everyone's faces. What's more this was the band's debut gig�
And was played out in style with top tuneage from the other 'Collective' DJ - DJ Pye. Aii.
Bring it on, strong. Alright!
(STEVE RUDD)
www.musiccollective.biz
www.freewebs.com/rococoband
www.drunkskunk.com/blacklines