The Magick Brothers (Hebden Bridge Trades Club 27/8/10)

 

 

Always a big admirer of Gong, I was often alienated by the psychedelia and pixies image. Revisiting their work from the seventies (particularly their seminal works such as Camembert Electrique and You) finds one attaching even more importance to their role inthe development of Prog.

 

Allen's songwriting and trademark Glissando guitar style combined with the virtuosity of ace violinist Graham Clark and Keyboard player Mark Robson allows an environment (as The Magick Brothers) away from Gong where he can breathe and relax into his own inimitable style.

 

It was with this in mind that we made the journey through the beautiful Yorkshire Dales to the picturesque town of Hebden Bridge for the latest stop on the current UK tour.

 

The low key opening complete with Robson's digeridoo, delay drenched glissando guitar and violin provided a platform for a plethora of musical delights, mishaps and sublime moments which left the appreciative audience wanting more even though it was half past midnight when the gig finished.

 

Performing in 2 sessions, the sets comprised songs by Robson (Kangaroo Moon) and Allen including a breathtaking passage with Clark and Robson on flute. Both Robson and Allen have a vocal style which evokes the golden days of the Canterbury sound (Robert Wyatt, Caravan, Hatfield & The North).

 

A truly special experience and there's still chance to catch them over the next couple of weeks:

 

Sat 28 Aug Canterbury
Orange Street Music Club
15 Orange Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2JA

Sun 29 Aug Kent
Small World Solar Stage
Headcorn, Kent

Mon 30 Aug Brighton
The Latest
14-17 Manchester St., BN2 1TF

Sat 04 Sep London/Camden

 

More information at Planet Gong