FourPlay (gig)

FourPlay
The Vanguard, Newtown (10th March, 2006)

It has been a while since the last FourPlay album and seeing as the last release was a remix project in 2001, it was high time FourPlay started composing again. Well, prayers answered, the 'eclectic electric string quartet' is back with some new stuff, and strutted some of it at their recent Vanguard gig.

I've actually never seen them play as FourPlay - I did catch the Hollo brothers in concert with the Noonan siblings at The Studio a few years back but never witnessed a gig with the four of them playing their own stuff. Stuart, on the other hand, roadied for them at Woodford a couple of years back so was particularly keen to say hello.

Although their compositions vary from bohemian flavoured anthems to haunting epics, all pieces contain a deep, dark and vigorous energy that the quartet exploit with their heavy use of strings in the lower register (two violas, a cello and a violin as opposed to traditional model of two violins, a viola and a cello). While their debut release "Catgut ya tongue?" was peppered with other people's compositions and popular theme songs, this gig proved that they could hold their own as composers, many songs having ambitious story arcs, possible contenders for soundtracks in their own right.

Lara's vocals provide a good foil for the tenor laden music; although the lyrics weren't scintillating, I'll give it to her for wanting to front up to the mike seeing as she seems more comfortable playing. The obvious thing was that they trusted, and were comfortable with, each other as the banter flew between songs. Playing with particular urgency, Shenzo snapped a bowstring but it was the ensemble's collective effort that delivered a feisty performance.

Their ability to alternate between something resembling vaudeville show tunes to Apocalyptica-style underground mutterings illustrates a certain versatility in their style though I think it somewhat confuses the signature of the band. Then again, I suppose if you call yourself eclectic you have to bowl a few doosras. Still, there was no single piece that etched itself in my head and I think to propel the identity of the band they need to release something significant and powerful that will always be remembered.

P.S: Pet peeve - if only punctuality were the norm! If only the intermission wasn't so long! (Some of us are poor and can't afford drinks, let alone a table on the ground floor).

***1/2 - synergetic performance but lacked a certain 'je ne sais quoi'