Sentinet @ the King Arthur 13.8.2016

Fucking astounding! I could just leave it at that, a two word review of last nights Sentient gig at the King Arthur. I could maybe add a couple more exclamation marks, for emphasis. But, as powerful and succinct as that may be, it would just be too lazy and Sentient deserve more... much more ( also, I'm rarely succinct).

I've seen Sentient a few times now, all wondrous, though tonight’s manifestation was imbued with added excitement, as there were new band members on-board. Gone was bass luminary Subs, now that position was taken by the legendary (really, legendary isn't a good enough adjective) Mike Howlett on bass.  When it comes to great bass players Howlett is right up there, his passion and skill shine through brightly, he doesn't just play bass, it flows through him and it shows. Also, Tanya Horn wasn't on drums this evening (although was in the house), that position was filled by the equally magnificent Steve Cassidy. Though a friend who saw Sentient perform Kozfest said they both played, which sounds way cool. Cassidy's drumming is clean and powerful, able to drive and maintain the most rhythmic of numbers.  That wizard of twiddly knobbery Joie Hinton maintained his position at the controls of keyboards and synth. And of course there is Steffe Sharpstrings on guitar. Steffe's a legend, as are his glissando and noodling skills, both instantly recognizable.

As has become commonplace with decent gigs these days, two sets were played of about an hour each, with a small break in-between. What we were served this evening was a tasty feast of, what appeared, improvisational pieces, made up from a myriad of beautifully blended styles and influences, all delivered masterfully. There were psych, dub, space rock and jazz flavours to name few. There was less glissando and more noodling from Steffe this evenings sets that previous gigs, and can the man noodle...yes, and some! Steffe deftly threaded magical paths through the bands improvised sound-scapes, his performance an experience as much spiritual as musical. Mr Howlett was a conduit to the place where bass is born, the bass lines fair burst out of him, as if he were a shaman with the power to birth them. Which he must be, it's the only explanation. Both Steffe and Mr Howlett morphed into space goats at several points, so powerful were the musical vibrations. Well, it's impossible not to. Occasionally Joie, smiling mischievously, would lean over his keyboards towards the audience as if judging just the best moment to lay some mind melting extreme synth twiddling on us. Of course he nailed it every time. Throughout, with steadfast resolve, Steve Cassidy beat the skins, never dropping a beat and making it look effortless (which clearly drumming can't be). What a fantastic drummer, man. The addition of the Howlett/Cassidy combination was something else! (Have mentioned how bloody marvellous a bassist Mike Howlett is?) They certainly elevated Sentients rhythm section to new heady heights (not that the previous Subs/Horn combination wasn't right up there too). Last night we were spoilt, what a performance!

I don't think my descriptions ever do performances real justice, though I can honestly say, I was fair blown away this evening, smiling slack jawed at the wonder of it all. When magic's created it's undeniable, and magic certainly filled the back room of the 'Arthur' last night, and, the audience loved it. Everybody was blissed out, man. One by one they took to the dance floor to swivel, frug and throw shapes, while the end of each track was met with rapturous applause. There were also a couple of notable musicians in the audience last night. Gregory Curvey of The Luck of Eden Hall whose latest album 'The acceleration of time' is a great listen. And, Cary Grace who'll be performing at the King Arthur in September and is well worth catching live. The 'Arthur' was a delight as usual, what a top venue with lovely staff and friendly regulars, and the sound, again, top notch...bravo sound guy. If there was a recording of last nights gig, I'd love to see that available, nudge nudge, wink wink. 

All in all a splendid evening, although I do have one complaint, not about the venue nor the band. But people. Where the fuck were you? Yeah, there was a good turn out, and yeah, we all thoroughly enjoyed it, but the 'Arthur' should have been overflowing, the calibre of musician and quality of music on offer. For a fiver too! My fear is we either 'support them or lose them', and our lives would be diminished by the latter. Whether it's lack of publicity or apathy, it's not good enough. We need innovative and original bands and the local venues for them to perform.  Where ever you are, if you get the chance, support them.