Friday, July 29, 2011

Gobble Gobble eat up the Island Tent - Hillside Sunday 2011

With all the hype (ok I'd been adding to it too) I was super excited to finally see what exactly it is that Gobble Gobble do to make their set so indescribably crazy. I'll do my best to perform the impossible and describe it. Spoiler alert!

With primarily electronic music it can be difficult to put on a show seeing, as the instrumentation is mostly button pushing. This Edmonton three piece (as part of Pop Montreal) must actively work to keep you entertained. Off the top the two wandering members were inexplicably towering over people in the crowd, and moving through the sea of folks. It was actually terrifying for some reason to have these two giants moving toward you, even after the realization of the souped-up stilts on their feet.

Next track they were back in the crowd - at regular height now but both wielding shovels. Why you ask? Combined they were producing percussion, of course. This was scary for a different reason as they literally smashed the backs of their spades together above my head as they passed over me. I could have used a helmet!

Funnily enough the next tune the two were both donning helmets - a street hockey goalie mask and a bike bucket - and then, taking a page out of the Arcade Fire's book, they proceeded to alternately bash each other over the head with drum sticks.

Additional antics included blowing up a massive ghost-like figure with a leaf blower, carrying around an oversized drum for us to bash, performing synchronized tambourine, and dishing out all sorts of high fives to the beat.

At one point they both disappeared from view and I was startled to see them slinking around my feet with their tambourines, much to everyone's surprise. They were a lot more conspicuous during the closing number when they jumped up and body surfed around.

Mind you the entire time the third member was keepin the tunes pumping (but not fave Boring Horror) and we were keeping the dance party going too. All this showmanship and sweat made for a helluva show. It's true that it's gotta be seen, no, experienced. Now I get it.


Update: Gobble Gobble became Born Gold in 2011.

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