KING PORTER STOMP
Gwdihw, Cardiff
Sat 18 Aug
Arguably Cardiff’s finest alternative music venue welcomes Brighton’s King Porter Stomp, who have been doing the festival rounds all over Europe for the last four years as a multi-member funk/hip-hop/ska ensemble. A listen to their upcoming LP Shuffle lets you instantly hear how these guys might sound live: musically, they’re tight, and if a little over-polished in a recorded context, you suspect a packed, sweaty room will set that right. The Fela Kuti-recalling afrobeat influence certainly comes across in cuts like Mama Needs A Hand, where the excellent Faye Houston chimes in on vocals. MC Jonezy waxes lyrical over the majority of the tracks on Shuffle and brings his own conscious style to the overall flow of things.
Expect to hear King Porter Stomp take you through an eclectic musical journey for the socially and environmentally conscious amongst us, as well as those who just like a good tune. KPS’ high-energy performance will suit Gwdihw very well; expect at least five different singers, a saxophonist, violinist, trombone player, bass, double bass, keyboards, trumpet and LOTS of percussion. Shuffle is released via comm:UNITY sounds on Mon 3 Sept in some very nice CD packaging. You might even get a free sticker. Admission: £3. Info: www.gwdihw.co.uk (JA)