published: 8 /
8 /
2007
Label:
Universal Waves
Format: CD
Dull and self-indulgent electronica from French group Birdy Nam Nam, which recorded live at La Cigalle in Paris has been released as a joint CD/DVD offering
Review
Darned clever? Yes! Fiendishly inventive? Yes! Yes! On top of their game? Yes! Yes! Yes! A visual extravaganza? Definitely - if you enjoy camcordering paint drying. Just like Yorkie bars, the static-as-Kraftwerk, resolutely unshowbiz Birdy Nam Nam aren’t really for girls. Or for anyone who likes their entertainers entertaining, for that matter. Judging by the amount of males gazing adoringly at the French four-piece’s furrow-browed turntable wizardry at this La Cigalle, Paris, gig, they’re a runaway success as boy magnets for bedroom DJs. But you suspect that even if they stripped off, dipped themselves in pink glitter or started dressing in 70's era Earth Wind And Fire space outfits, the female presence at their gigs would still remain at a resolute zero.
Light-fingeredly sculpting real-time songs out of slabs of vinyl and a quartet of decks Birdy Nam Nam’s off-the-scale dexterity would even have a master pickpocket’s jaw on the floor. However, to call them slow starters would be flattery of the highest order.
Underpinned by Gary Numan-esque synth noises, the first third of their set inches by at the tempo of cooling lava, making it easy to admire, but virtually impossible for non-scratching civilians to enjoy. It’s only when they introduce a bunch of real musicians, switch to film soundtrack-ish jazz, clever drum and bass and a heated Balkans folk crescendo does the gig really come alive. There’s a reason why Basement Jaxx always take to the stage with a mini Rio carnival of bespangled additional performers – and that’s because they know DJ-ing shares the visible appeal of a science boffin writing their quantum physics Phd. Someone mail Birdy Nam Nam a set of matching sequin samba outfits and dance routine instructions before they make their next live DVD. Please.
Track Listing:-
1
Stephane
2
Ready For War, Ready For Whut?
3
Pass It On
4
Too Much Skunk Tonight
5
Poppy
6
Violons (Part 1)
7
Abbesses (Live)
8
Kind Of Laid Back
9
In Thunder Lighting Or In Rain?
10
Violons (Part 2)
11
Tam Tam Club
12
Jam Session