The Connect Four Orchestra

"Imagination is more important than knowledge." At least, that is, according to the large flashing projector screens that fill the stage prior to the arrival of the curiously monikered Connect Four Orchestra (so-called, one would assume, in tribute to that wonderful board game your Gran got you for Christmas when you were seven).

The declaration is quite a fitting one. Imagination really is the key here. Manic, syncopated keyboards trip over rampant rhythms and thick guitar distortions, suddenly breaking down to flurries of digital sonics, chiming guitars and lightly brushed cymbals – no vocals – all instrumental. In fact, it’s rather tough to even consider putting lyrics over this. The wall of sound that this troubadour of instrumentalists create is so vibrant, powerful and (every hack’s favorite adjective) evocative, that the music really does speak for itself.

But it’s only in the middle of the third song that I realise something’s amiss… The bassist seems to have swapped haircuts with the keyboard player, and hang on; didn’t the drummer have a different T-shirt on? Nope, it’s not my eyes playing tricks (and no, I’m not drunk). It would appear that the Connect Four Orchestra are indeed multi-talented; switching sticks for Strats for maracas at the drop of a can of Dutch Gold without so much as a waver in the quality stakes.

The Orchestra are neither the quintessential indie dream nor the typical alt-rock outfit; opting instead for an instrumental hybrid of the two while adding in a few tsps of electronica and wonky synth stuff here and there for good measure.

Perhaps more Ludo-crous than Connect Four, but decent nonetheless.