Gig review: Gnarls Barkley, Brixton Nov 5, 2006
Gig review
Musically all over the place but rooted in a “bold as brass southern I don’t give a damn sensibility”, Gnarls Barkley took Brixton and rocked. Big, bold, camp as you like - the bands lead Cee-Lo must have sweated buckets in some of his more theatrical get ups and he sang and tambourined his way through the show. His side kick Danger Mouse provided a more statuesque presence to the proceedings behind his keyboard.
Crazy is the song that rammed them into our consciences but it was ‘Gone Daddy Gone’ and ‘Smiley Faces’ that raised the roof. The happy clappy other assorted band-members, masked the sometimes twisted song themes and lyrics. Dark lyrics "It’s pretty much the reason why I’m rich and famous today," Cee-Lo announced.
Cee-Lo can sing and sing, he really can - he held the whole thing together. Head lolling from side to side gospel and soul were never far the stage. Danger Mouse’s keyboards and assorted sample mash were sometimes over shadowed by the sheer force of the one man choir.
Gnarls Barkley need not worry that they are one trick ponies. They are more then just Crazy. Great fun though they are; band of the year they are not.
By Roifield Brown, MyVillage 09th November
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