King Modo
Sweeney Mongrel’s
29/04/11
Angela Macari O’Looney
This unique band asked me to review their self named album earlier this year and I found it fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable. So on hearing they were performing a set during a gig organised by Dimestore records down in Sweeney’s, I ventured in.
Their sound is Jam/Experimental/Alternative and involves exciting harmonies. Influences include Zeppelin, Steely Dan, Dave Mathews band, Crosby Stills and Nash. Band Members are Paul Keogh (Vox/Guitar), Karl Murphy (Keys/Vox), Mark Dempsey (Bass), Jon Barrett (Lead guitar) and Lenny Cahill (Drums).
I arrived at midnight and there was an enormous crowd there and the party was in full swing for certain. The upstairs venue fills up pretty quickly and I found it a little uncomfortable in that the stage is right beside the staircase, where folk are entering or exiting. It caused a bit of distraction during the band’s performance. So that would put me off the venue itself. However, I was here for King Modo and wasn’t at all disappointed with the huge sound they provided and loved hearing their songs live, which in my opinion was an even better experience than on CD!
Their first number We had a vibrant chorus, where harmony is amazing. Twin riffs on bass and lead are impressive and Lenny does lots of exciting drum rolls to lift the dynamic.
I recognised Up in Arms from its weird discords, funky intro and unusual tempo. This song totally captures the imagination,Paul performing the superb lead vocals with his clear vocal style. All guitars get a chance to shine here, with Jon doing delicious lead and also in sync stuff with Paul and Mark. Even the close harmonies make up strange, but addictive chords. The acoustic guitar which Paul performs creates wonderful rhythm and along with Karl’s elaborate riffs and notation on Keys, it’s a plethora of explosive, yet heady music!
Those jazzy chords and the choppy rhythm for All You May Say stirred up adrenaline in me. It touches a nerve listening to Paul’s voice lilt and twist as he sings this. The piano is totally awe inspiring throughout this whole piece. The chorus involves very effective harmony, delicious chords and memorable riffs throughout. The entire experience is a delight to the senses.
Sentimental Nigel happens to be a favourite of mine. So I was over the moon when I heard Paul introduce it. He introduced each member of the now larger band that King Modo has become. I love the complex intro. It has this astounding notation that’s played on Keyboards, surrounded by riveting guitars and a subtle key change in the actual intro. I especially found the bass line exciting here. Mark’s white bass has a gorgeous tone and sounds as show stopping as it looks!
There’s a refrain in this that I love; You don’t want to be like Sentimental Nigel.
Paul is accompanied by lots of dramatic Ahs for this number, which has a great impact on the audience with its enormous crescendo at the end.
Paul explained how this was the lads’ first appearance as a five piece and how special this gig was to them.
They continued with Die and Dance, starting off with an in sync riff done by all instruments that’s continued throughout the verse. This number has some interesting changes of tempo, where Paul sings the words Unfolds a new beginning and you suddenly hear the change to a staccato chorus with stark, dramatic notes in it. Equally guitars, percussion and rhythm take on this startling feeling. Very inspiring stuff!
The Big Man was next and has a crazy intro where there’s a pause in the proceedings, and then Paul launches into the verse. Poignant chords match the lyrics here in this slower number. I like the sentiment in the line Everybody’s screaming, but nobody’s listening. Chords and harmonies are once again magical!
We
Jon’s opening lead in this is superb. It’s such a delicious song; it was welcomed for the second time in one night with the same sense of anticipation and wonder. Bass is also fabulous, with lots of distortion and a rock mood in the intro. But then things suddenly burst into a tuneful and harmonious chorus. I love this number for it’s soothing beat, unforgettable melody and that refrain that is sung like a heavenly choir We are, we are not alone. We are, we are one.
It has a blasted out, explosive finish with all guitars giving it loads. What a great finale!
It was a brilliant set and I was glad to finally get a taste of this extremely talented bunch of guys, with their rare and hypnotic sound. I look forward to their next project and will be watching and listening closely!
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