Lazarus Effect - Verge, London, 17/6/2003

  by Olga Sladeckova

published: 10 / 6 / 2003

intro

Having moved down from Sheffield last year, the Lazarus Effect have become an increasingly steady presence on London's music scene. Olga Sladeckova catches a most "special" band in action

I won't ever forget my first ever few gigs. They seem somehow more special then those I to go nowadays. The more that you see the harder it is to be impressed by a band. One of my first gigs was a Primal Scream concert, whose music I rate best of all, so I am probably slightly biased, but , even despite this, it is true. The more gigs you go to the more you expect from bands. One of the few new bands whose gigs I do find special at the moment are the Lazarus Effect. This 4 piece formed in Sheffield 3 years ago, but are now based in London. I arrive just in time for the second support. 5 men have just set themselves up on the stage, which is almost entirely hidden from the entrance in the left hand corner of the room. Their music comes with no warning. By the end of their first song I already regret turning up too early. The band are playing quite good music, but it has nothing in common with the vocals of the singer who is performing something between rock and rap and hip hop - if that's possible. In the middle of the set he jumps off the stage and walks out of the venue ,but we can still hear him singing from behind the door. Then he returns and the show goes on in a similar manner until the end. It seems the bands are running late tonight. The clock is already heading for 10:45 when it's finally time for the Lazarus Effect to come on. "Hi everyone! We are the Lazarus Effect." Jonjo McNeill , the singer says, as the band starts to play the first song of the set 'Disappointed'. The sound of the song is certainly not "disappointing" at all. In fact at the end of it you just want to hear it all again. At the beginning of the second song 'Someone Always Comes', James Mason, the drummer, starts hitting the drums, creating a quiet fizzle in the background. Then Daniel Walton, the bass guitarist, slowly joins in. A second later Jonjo and Adrian Falconer, playing the guitar, are in as well, helping to create a vigorous rhythm and to build the song up into a real explosion of noise. "Someone always comes, someone always comes to take my happiness away" Jonjo sings with a great conviction that makes you want to join in and and to shout for your own bit of happiness. There is something in the Lazarus Effect's music, especially with the song, that is reminiscent of the Stone Roses. A lot of thoughts have gone into the lyrics of the next song 'Easily Led'. Adrian and Daniel hold on to their guitars while Jonjo stares seriously out into the auditorium and sings: "Take a look what can you see? Are You blind or are you just ignoring me?" 'Hypocrite' comes next. The Lazarus Effect are great at building up their music from slow to loud and making their tunes sound unpredictable but also natural. It's getting late. Unfortunately the band are being pushed by the venue to cut their set but we get one last song 'Music Box'. Looking around the venue, I see a few girls shyly standing by the bar and swinging along to the last notes of the song. There is some disappointment in the audience when the band are not allowed to play any more.The30 minute set was, however, well worth travelling for ,even across the whole of London. Set List : Disappointed Someone Always Comes Easily Led Hypocrite Music Box The Lazarus Effect will appear at the third Penny Black Music Night at the Spitz on the 2nd August, which will also feature Lupine Howl, Bikini Atoll and Ashby. The photographs that accompany this article were taken by Denzil Watson. more info: www.thelazaruseffect.co.uk

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