Set over two floors, Bedford’s Esquires encapsulates all that’s good about a medium sized venue; large enough to attract the very best touring acts, but of a size to retain a warm, friendly vibe, it’s my destination of choice whenever a tour is announced. Tonight, it plays host to Japanese noise rock pioneers Melt-Banana alongside British post-rock upstarts Burning Ships on what promises to be an ear-shattering evening.
When it comes to rock bands, the classic power trio is undoubtedly the best configuration. There’s something about reduced numbers that is, rather paradoxically, conducive to creating a big sound (think Budgie, Rush) and that’s precisely where Burning Ships step in. Their brand of rock evokes a feeling of an entity so vast and expansive it can barely be comprehended and dispensing with a vocalist only adds to their intensity. Burning Ships blaze brightly this September evening, and their flame will flicker in the memory for a long time.
There was a time when Japan was thought of as a nation of copyists but then a period of cultural assertion occurred, especially in the sphere of music, and at the vanguard were Tokyo’s Melt-Banana. Taking inspiration from New York’s no-wave scene, this duo soon found their own unique niche and developed a sound that defies easy categorisation. Formed in 1992, you can hear Melt-Banana’s influence echoing down the years, but they remain leaders (not followers) and that becomes apparent in tonight’s set. With an energy that’d put many a younger band to shame vocalist Yasuko Onuki writhes and ululates, manipulating the electronics with a handheld controller whilst guitarist Ichiro Agata sculpts sound into new, arresting shapes. It’s a kind of sensory overload and one that holds the crowd’s attention like a rabbit caught in headlights. It means the band’s sixty-minute set passes far too quickly, but not before the band return for nine (albeit brief) encores to ensure that no one leaves feeling short-changed.
Review & Photos by Peter Dennis
