Wildbirds and Peacedrums - Puregroove Records, London - 7/4/09
4/5
By: Chris Pearson
We virtually march from our Islington office over to Farringdon, a rushed lunch awaiting us as the sun begins to dip its head over this upmarket part of East London. As I hastily wash down a swiftly purchased bacon roll with sugary coke-goodness, the churning feeling in my stomach is happily erased by sheer relief as we step through the door of Pure Groove - thankfully, we haven't missed a second of Wildbirds and Peacedrums' in-store show. In fact, we're actually a little early. Early enough to see Mariam Wallentin comfortably perched on the edge of the record store's small stage, casually sipping what looks like a cup of tea.
If you've already gorged yourself on either of the Wildbirds and Peacedrums albums or if you've been even more fortunate to have experienced one of their renowned live shows, you'll understand why the pressure was on not to miss a thing.
With so much new music about at the moment it's easy to slip into a "they sound a bit like X, with a touch of Y" type of formula while describing new artists. Not with this band, my friend, OH NO. Being a drum/vocal two-piece you might assume their sound would be a tad on the sparse side; surprisingly, that isn't the case. Indeed, coupled with the fact both are extremely innovative and versatile musicians, it is the space in their sound which seems to give them so much scope for originality. While these myriad thoughts bounce around my head, Wallentin sipping her tea and Andreas Werliin finishing setting up his drum kit, I ponder what we're in store for. Yeah, that was an 'in store' pun.
Although it takes 10 minutes or so for them to get really warmed up, their performance is impressive from start to finish. Mostly picking tracks from latest album, The Snake; every one of the six or so songs they play is delivered with unquestionable commitment and an overwhelming fervour.
From the outset we're plunged into a multi-tasked array of sounds; steel drums, xylophone, an electronic set of drum pads and an impressive assortment of percussive instruments. At one point Werliin appears to be effortlessly manning the drum kit whilst simultaneously tinkling notes out of the xylophone and producing a strange underlying thud through the drum pads. Early on in the set we're treated to 'Doubt/Hope', one of the bigger songs from debut Heartcore, developing like a raging thunderstorm and exploding with a spectacular apex. As mentioned before, they have little trouble in using the space in their sound to full advantage - at points filling it entirely, at other times leaving nothing but a stripped back drum line and the more delicate end of Wallentin's voice floating airy whispers over the intimate record shop. I took a brief glance round the room to see mouths hanging open, so transfixed were Puregroove's patrons with the spectacle they were witnessing.
'My Heart', likely to be their next single, closed a captivating 25 minute set. Towards the end Werliin moved away from the mic before the final crescendo, exposing the unamplified, un-backed beauty of her voice to a hypnotised room of people - a rare aural delight. In those visceral, crystalline few seconds you got the impression that there was no uncertainty in her passion, no question of her intention; she really meant it. And ultimately, that's what is at the heart of Wildbirds and Peacedrums ; pure, natural, unflinching music - shot through with conviction.
Artists in this article: Wildbirds & Peacedrums
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