Innovation in Abundance

The Violent Jokes – Enigma, Shekou – 25/04/09

Drum n Bass shows are ideally set in large clubs populated by artificially energised dance fiends. Enigma on the other hand, is quite the contrary. Big screen sports, pool table, fat business-types and over friendly hostesses was the setting for last Saturday’s live dance showcase. I was doubtful of there being much to write on.

However, once Hong Kong’s Violent Jokes got stuck-in, the inane atmosphere dissolved into the background as Korean vocalist Shadow prowled the stage like Bjork crossed with a leopard. Her vocals sounded like the culmination of an impossible collaboration by Massive Attack and the Velvet Underground’s Nico, whilst her allure was her aloofness aided by the absence of any self-affirming egoism. She was very much the focused artist; shifting in and out of gear appropriately, contrasting MC with R&B diva, whilst sustaing the wild mystique of a rabid Audrey Hepburn.

Simon Griffin from the UK and Claudio Canzonetta from Italy, instrument hopped as they provided a trip-hop, electro, drum n bass soundtrack, that combined with elements of rock and funk, to give their music a cross-over appeal. As Canzonetta lamented, “Rave began with live bands like Prodigy. Now it is all DJs.” The bands mission he says is to get live music back into the clubs. “We think this makes the difference.”

And this may seem viable when you have band so adapt at riding down the crossroads of musical traffic. ‘Me as a wolf with Dolby Surround Sound,’ is a richly, dark drum n bass ride with divergent classical strings samples, where as ‘Dangerous’ is a trip hop, 80s electro jingle with some live funk guitar and bass thrown into the mix, displaying maturity and prowess.

Regulars on the HK circuit, Violent Jokes plan to make more trips around Asia and to the mainland this year, so whether a rocker or a groover, keep your ear to the ground for more news. Myspace.com/violentjokeshk **** 4/5