GWDIHW ALLSTARS MICROFEST | LIVE REVIEW
Gwdihw, Cardiff, Sun 20 Apr
Running from 3pm–3am with as many bands, DJs, hotdogs and face paint as you can conceivably cram into those hours, this author inadvertently missed Stalin’s Street Party’s curtain-raising set, a most regretful blunder as few can deny their off-the-wall jangly disco funk. No doubt they played some of their recently released Gutter Moss Green EP too… colour me embarrassed.
Nevertheless, second to take to the stage with their impeccable flair was contemporary covers band the May Duo. With residencies in Cardiff since 2012 these two have honed their act to a point where it appears effortless. Their interpretations of popular songs are boldly original and their seamless and versatile transitions between different well-known ditties certainly enliven the crowd. A particular highlight was a rendition of Etta James’s I Just Want To Make Love To You, complete with bluesy chugging guitar rhythms reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughn.
Superchango kicked the volume up a notch, luring the punters out into the wet with promises of blowing away the clouds. Whilst they were mistaken on that account, their tight powerful grooves still prompted many bouncing heads and gyrating pelvises. MC Oort Kuiper unleashed his charismatic vocals atop the locked-in rhythm of the band and gaining affinity with the audience, even asked for two words and two chords that he could freestyle rap over. The result was “ice cream” and “fella” over B and F so try to imagine, if you will, the amusing rhymes that followed. Helena May (of May Duo) also returned to the stage adding her potent voice to the mix for what really was the first ‘let loose’ moment of the day.
Following this, most congregated inside to make themselves familiar with the mellow semblance of Harri Davies. Known for being a valued constituent of both Afro Cluster and Moon Dog his talents have also been cultivated under his singer-songwriter moniker for a little while now. Playing a wildly different set of songs from those heard with his peers, it’s clear that Harri is making leaps and bounds in the sculpting of his folk, pop and soul-blended sound. His slick proficiency on guitar coupled with a gruffer voice than heard before was a pleasure to behold.
Making himself busy tonight, Harri next joined a neat rhythm section to roll out a few classics as Moondog. You can count on this trio to belt out the best in funk/soul songs and instrumentals delivering a good taster for the explosive hip-hop steamroller that is Afro Cluster.
Taking over the stage and the audience, Afro Cluster exude confidence and humble musicality. Frontman Skunkadelic (Tumi Williams) has a simultaneously warm but imposing stage presence enabling him to hold the mob of beaming spectators in the palm of his hand, consequently having no trouble pulling them all towards the edge of the stage as soon as the first chord rang out. Funkier, louder and more animated as the night went on, the band ignited wet shoes and had everyone commandeering their own invisible pogo sticks by the last few numbers.
Just when you thought you might have spotted the peak in the evening’s proceedings, Renegade Brass Band took the stage (and much of the floor) to be nothing short of blaringly loud. Monumental brass arrangements were projected at a relentless pace with unflinching momentum. The volume seemed be rising with each note in ecstatic correspondence with the now fully packed congregation watching on. Undoubtedly a proud moment for micro-festivals everywhere. Particularly striking from their repertoire was an arrangement of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Can’t Stop which was made all the more dramatic by a lyrically adept, articulate MC.
Ty finished the festival’s live music segment with arguably the purest expression of hip-hop. Hailed as a wordsmith and innovator he is also an intelligent and generous artist. Full interaction with the crowd seems to be his priority, whilst the celebrated DJ Biznizz hung back and shrewdly served out the beats.
With a vocabulary perceptive, dynamic and empirical he does justice to his art, highlighting important issues and observing the lighter side of life. It’s really quite difficult to fault this man’s showmanship and the positive impact he has, especially when he starts throwing his legs around to inter-spliced samples of Annie Lennox, Snoop Dogg, Queen, James Brown and Nirvana.
In true festival spirit, the party didn’t end there. DJs inside accommodated everyone on their cheerful descent into debauchery; job well done.
words CHARLIE PIERCEY