Wonky

What would be your dream album launch? Having been to a lot of very dull ones, The Redneck Manifesto’s beano in a brewery for their second long-player is definitely as good as it gets.

But this is a lot more than a mere launch party. Wonky was conceived for the eyes and ears as a celebration of the best live bands around sharing a stage with the best new electronic producers with the most entertaining visual backdrop possible courtesy of D.A.D.D.Y. and Del-9.

One man electronic orchestra Formika has the unenviable task of kicking off the proceedings with his breathtakingly beautiful canvas of lush, deep drones and captivating melodies. Somadrone follows with a set culled from his debut EP and newer material that sounds fantastic, yet still flounders slightly in this rather cavernous venue. The winner here is the visuals, as the further back from the stage one gets the sharper it all looks. Hilariously, videos from Creative Controle and The Warlords Of Pez are welcomed by the crowd like rock royalty.

Goodtime John eases us into the live segment of the evening with some languorous and laidback pop as performed by most of the Connect 4 Orchestra.

The cream of tonight’s line up who collectively guaranteed a sell out are The Jimmy Cake and The Redneck Manifesto. The Jimmys’ new material sounds great, yet is let down somewhat by the absence of accordionist Jurgen. In some ways, the night could only belong to the mighty Rednecks – pulling off a blistering celebratory set that shared the spoils between 36 Strings and Cut Your Heart Off From Your Head. As ever, Richie Egan is psyched to the max, bounding around the stage like a deranged Duracell bunny. It’s all gone wonky in the best possible way.

Given the resounding success of part one, Wonky is bound to be back for more thrills and spills for the ears, eyes and head. Do them all a favour and get yourself a ticket.