In September, as with every month, the iconic Bad Vibes All Dayer returned to grace the Shacklewell Arms with another evening of fantastic music. This month’s line-up was suitably eclectic, ranging from avant-folk that almost teetered on industriality to the wildly experimental.
Opening the night was The Groan, a solo variation of Sodden Pelt. Of all the sets, this was the most minimalist – a manifestation of experimentalism in its purest form. Lyrics about death and crime, tape manipulation, guitar in unconventional tunings: it was all there, forming a perfectly eerie presentation of sonic deviance, harking back to the work of Michael Gira and the early industrial scene of the 1980s.
Following The Groan’s minimalism came a complete shift with The Wheel 2! and their maximalist approach to experimentalism. The seven-piece created a frenzied, psychedelic wall of sound that barely relented. Each song took a different direction – some channelling post-punk sensibilities, others driven by basslines that verged on funk. Frontman James’ chaotic stage presence elevated the performance further, reminiscent of John Maus in the way his movements seemed to be a pure response to the music itself. All in all, a sense of frenzied eclecticism defines wherever The Wheel 2! perform, and it shouldn’t be overlooked.
Continuing the night’s experimental thread was Ashnymph, performing as a duo rather than their usual trio due to the absence of their vocalist/bassist. Their set was intensely experimental, with guitarist Will frequently crouching down to tinker with pedal effects and a nearby keyboard, while Jonny’s precise drumming wove through the flurry of noise from Will’s psychedelic wall of sound. Unfortunately, their set had to end early due to the reduced line-up — though not before they playfully triggered a fire alarm sound through their pedalboard, momentarily worrying the crowd until the alarm stopped, only to start again moments later.
Headlining the evening’s adventurous line-up was a group I’ve been meaning to see for the longest time: big long sun. The eight-piece brought their uniquely expansive sound to the Shack after having to change venues at short notice during their Elephant’s Head gig earlier in the summer. This was one to remember, with the line-up featuring three guitarists – one on vocals and another also manning keys – alongside a bassist, drummer, and three members handling choral or backing vocals, percussion, and even violin later in the set. They were absolutely electric, not letting a single beat go to waste, every moment charged with their flurry of folk-infused art rock. Over the course of a 40-minute set, the band drifted seamlessly between noise rock, post-punk, and indie folk, ending with a beautiful breakdown of their sound – a fitting conclusion to a brilliant night of acts at the Shack.
Words: Noelle Radewicz