Live Review
Gotan Project – Roundhouse, London
Having already released a double live album recently which more than illustrated how adept these artists and performers are on stage, the Gotan Project come back to the UK again to show us how much of a visceral experience it can be to see them live. The show is essentially divided up. Dark suited to begin with, and surrounded by many a musician, vocalist and even at one point – a couple of tango dancers on stage, the band are veiled by a screen that has imagery projected onto it. You can still make the artists out through the thin sheet making the experience all the more organically blended. About half way through the screen lifts and the band accept a long applause and then retire for five minutes only to return with their entourage now all dressed in white. The show continues much to the same caliber of the first half. Precision seems to be a key factor to their playing skills. As they travel from the more well known favorites to lesser known material – it all swells and flows with ease and comfort.
It was also interesting to see that to the far left and the far right of the stage were a lot of couples engaging in tango dancing throughout the evening.
The only sad note is that the band requested no press photographers be allowed into the pit throughout the show. Usually press photographers get the first three songs of each gig to get their shots without the aid of a flash and then get out again. Here though that privilege has been taken away. But with artists who remain pretty static on their spots on stage all night you begin to wonder what this French band were afraid of? Invasion?
Still the show is beautifully performed and an extensive one at that. Any band hitting past the two hour mark and keep the quality of performance up all night is one that is most generous and well trained not just as an artist, but as a performer too.