Concert Review by Mark Bayross
The Torrington, North Finchley, London – 12 July 2000
Playing the Torrington tonight are a handful of bands who have slogged it all the way from Bristol and Bath to darkest North London in order to promote a compilation CD of their collective efforts, entitled AVON SCRAWLING.
Keyop (named after a character from “Battle Of The Planets”, 70s cartoon fans…), who open the CD, have a good slot tonight (second from last), although they have the tricky task of following a totally demented performance from a bearded nutter with a sampler and a megaphone. They kick off with an as-yet untitled intro piece, written by drummer Rob “Robot” Clewley – a dramatic fusion of God Machine-style cymbal washes and folky guitars – before launching into THIS IS DUCK.
It becomes clear that Keyop are not just another boring guitar-led indie band. Distorted electronic rhythms à la Stabbing Westward and duel singer harmonies, courtesy of bassist Chip and guitarist Tab, make for an intoxicating concoction. As if to prove the point, “I’m So Drunk” has all the grace of a fledgling Radiohead.
They finish with HOGJAM and leave the stage after only four full songs. It seems like they’ve only been on for five minutes, but such is life when you have to keep to a tight schedule. As the bands assemble for the luxurious midnight transit van drive home, Rob tells me that Keyop had reached the hallowed pages of the NME a couple of years ago. I, for one, would like to see them there again.
