12/03/04
Wolves! (of Greece) @ the ICA, London
http://www.honeyisfunny.com/wolvesofgreece/
Not even the bits of tissue I'd hastily stuffed in my ears could totally
save me. My left side hearing was still reduced to a high pitched squeal
by the time the Wolves! (of Greece) were packing up their equipment and
exiting the now dark stage. 10 mins earlier it was like a scene from Full
Metal Jacket. Big explosions of white and red napalm light, bodies flaying
about all over the place, and sound tracked by an artillery battle. With
each miniscule lull, I gave the room a quick body count. Was everyone
still with us? Then it was heads down time again.
When the Wolves play you get the sense that they need to expel energy
in this way. Any less just isn't going to be enough. It's got nothing
to do with the typical 'get dressed up in your fanciest togs and pose
on a stage for the duration of your choreographed set', which I've witnessed
far too much over the last few weeks. It's comes across like the culmination
of a frustrating weeks work, the race against time to get to the venue,
knowing that the next day your going to feel knackered, all of these being
expelled. There is something ultimately more satisfying about a band who
look not unlike audience members calmly clambering on stage. Who then
proceed to produce unearthly noises and visions, as if possessed by demons.
When Duffel coats and cardigans were discarded and replaced by instruments,
you couldn't predict the contrast to come.
As Tom and I wandered dazed, back to the ridiculously busy bar we didn't
really say much. When I final asked what he though of the 20 minute onslaught
Tom's reply was "half of me was screaming for the deafening noise to stop,
and the other half was crying out for more". I nodded in agreement, not
needing to add anything to such a well put summery.
I'd recommend the Wolves! (of Greece) to any jaded music fans. Just go
see these guys play. It'll reaffirm your love of live bands, and put a
shit eating smile back on your face. One piece of advise that you've probably
already picked up on from these ramblings......Make sure you take ear
plugs.
