Eskmo & Teebs – Live Review

Soundcrash presents: Teebs + Eskmo | XOYO, London | 12th July 2012

The English dictionary defines the term ‘multi’ as ‘resembling, or pertaining to many things’.  Commonly applied as a literary prefix, we live in communities that are multi-cultural, work for institutions that are multi-national, and listen to music that is multi-genre. The post 2012 era has seen a proliferation in sonic strains that are inordinately diverse with concerns to their instrumental content. And tonight, we celebrate the rise of two seminal forces in this movement.

The earthy stench of dry ice greets the nostrils upon walking into London’s XOYO

. Thin flakes of black paint crumble off the banister, and the room is drowned in a radiant red light. Circles of fashion conscious girls talk animatedly to strangely tall boys, in front of bar. Facing the stage, an armoury of meticulously wired drum machines is ready for action.

With the acrid taste of overpriced beer on my tongue, a screen of thick smoke envelops the stage. Shattering bass fires from the speakers, and Eskmo stands in front of his turntables. Eclipsed by the opaque wall of smoke, his red t-shirt matches the hue of the lights above. Born, Brenden Angelides; the San Francisco beatsmith plays a diverse and disarming set.  Taking the crowd on a journey from rhythmic dubstep to tribally infused minimalism, any attempt to deny the impulse the dance to his infectious style of electonica is futile. Pausing to tie my shoelaces, that have inadvertently come undone on account of bouncing uncontrollably to the music, the night’s main act addresses the stage.

Teebs | Photograph by Bree Kristel Clarke ©

Sporting a loosely woven beanie, and a snug fitting denim jacket, Teebs holds dominion unto a gaze of loyal listeners. Opening with ‘Verbena Tea’, the delectable sound of cascading harps vibrate into the air. Standing in a state of suspended animation, the audience collectively nod their heads as the cleverly sampled sound ticking clocks starts to drop. Keen to apply a personal touch to the performance, Teebs quiets the sound and proclaims how he’s been ‘as excited as a twelve year old about playing this show’.

Highly lauded as a forward facing beat-maker in the contemporary climate, his set is a cornucopia of choice cuts from his 2010 Ardour and Collections 01 LPs.  The evening climaxes when ‘Bern Rhythm’ is played. The glacial vibrations of glockenspiel resonate, and are teamed with an almost locomotive drum pattern. Chaotic yells of appreciation are produced from the bodies in the mosh-pit, and the satisfying crunch of empty plastic cups can be felt on the ground.  There is no denying Teebs’ natural ability to orchestrate music that arrests the imagination, and melts hearts. Here’s to witnessing talent that is not afraid to challenge the accepted norms in sound construction…DEFY CONVENTION.

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