SLOWLY ROLLING CAMERA | LIVE REVIEW
Dempseys, Cardiff, Fri 7 Mar
On their third documented appearance in Cardiff, this sizable, diverse ensemble filled the unexpectedly formal air of Dempseys’ upstairs room with the promise of some ‘serious’ music. There’s been a lot of excitement surrounding this band recently, not least by virtue of their stunning first album release.
Curious attendees wondered whether they could deliver the same magic found on the recordings; their performance was polished and expectations were surpassed.
Many would argue that live music trumps recordings every time and few bands currently on the UK scene are a more befitting example of this than Slowly Rolling Camera. The euphoric nu-soul and dark jazz mysticism already showcased on their album was projected here like some great beam of energy at onlookers. Each musician was requisite to a complex musical narrative, together sending out a distinctly electric performance.
The core members (Dionne Bennett, Dave Stapleton, Deri Roberts and Elliot Bennett) brought with them an exceptional troupe of high-calibre musicians, including regular contributor Stuart McCallum of the Cinematic Orchestra and guest jazz saxophonist Tim Garland, whose professional affiliations include Chick Corea and Bill Bruford. Garland’s playing in particular was both lyrical and agile, fitting neatly over the rich fluid textures carried by the band, but was perhaps a little unremitting when so much of the music used subtlety and refinement for effect. The mellow trumpet tones of Neil Yates (heard on the album) were sorely missed by this reviewer, however Garland proved a compelling replacement.
Compositions from the album flourished in the live format: notably the plaintive soul ballad Bridge, the tense re-working of electronic haze Color and the impassioned crescendo of Fragile Ground that finished the evening. A song not found on the album also emerged in the second set, foreshadowing impressive future developments for the group.
Whilst all these positives ring true, keen ears among the crowd might have heard a few mistakes but they were acknowledged and rectified by the band, who are clearly striving for perfection early on in their career. With more dates in the UK, a trip to Prague and possibly some shows in France, the band are sure to continue their weighty influence on contemporary music and deservedly so.
words CHARLIE PIERCEY photo CLAIRE COUSIN