After being astounded by their singles — but missing the UK shows last year — I eagerly awaited these performances. Unable to make the first gig, supporting Damon Albarn’s new project The Good, The Bad & The Queen as part of The Tower Of London festivities. I was listening and dancing with delight Tuesday and Wednesday watching Hypnotic Brass Ensemble headline shows both sides of the Thames.

At Cargo, the eight brothers covered the width of the stage. Drummer Chris aka 360 in the middle flanked by four trumpets on his right and on his left, marching baritone, trombone and the gigantic sousaphone. With that range of instruments all audio frequencies are covered, from the thudding bassline of the tuba to the shrill solos that exude from the trumpets. Opening with ‘Balicky Bon’, they energised and entertained the room, with wonderful versions of ‘War’ and ‘Mercury’ plus tracks I had not heard previously, my favourite being ‘Tarik’ which develops marvellously with Smoove’s stunning trumpet melody.

Onto Brixton and the Livenation night at Plan B. Hypnotic followed the talented Natty, an engaging singer/songwriter playing guitar and accompanied by djembe player. The crowd were more standoffish than the previous evening but by the third song ‘War’ the atmosphere had begun to complement the band’s energy and as at the Cargo show the audience were led through some call and response, “I get the party started” “You keep the party jumping!”

“London’s our third home!” Tarik aka Smoove told me, stating that they intend to return to the UK and Europe when possible, I look forward to the next opportunity I have to check the numerous layers in their sound and sublime rhythms laid down by (to quote Hudah) the “heartbeat” of 360’s drums and the band’s “brain” L.T’s sousaphone.

These friendly and immensely talented sons of Philip Cohran, are a truly terrific act to watch in the flesh. Whether dancing to the music, pondering quite how much fluid ends up on the stage from the seven separate spit valves, or the mind-blowing moments when you find yourself starring down the dark barrel of a brass instrument, with a blast of noise hitting you face on. Either on the street or in a venue I thoroughly recommend any music lovers to check their live shows.

Links:
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble’s myspace
Hypnotic blog
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Cargo
DJ Kentaro
Plan B, Brixton
Natty
Kelan Phil Cohran