October 22, 2003
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| Fri., Oct. 24, 9pm. $15. 18+ With DJ Imri + DJ Magnum. Trocadero, 1003 Arch St. 215.922.LIVE. www.thetroc.com The recent release of Gone Gone Gone, the second full-length studio recording from the self-described live breakbeat progressive house outfit the New Deal, is a picturesque snapshot of a band in the throes of creative artistic development. Originally formed as a strictly instrumental affair, the Toronto-based trio adds vocals and supplementary instrumentation to its already lush sound on this latest release. The result is a captivating musical adventure that journeys through 13 tracks of electronica-tinged bliss. As infectious as these songs are in their polished studio form, live settings are where the New Deal routinely shines. With sets comprised of a handful of "themes" that are rounded out with ballsy improvisation as opposed to structured songs, TND has been known to play 90-plus-minute sets that revolve around just two or three of these themes, with the majority of the set consisting of freeform riffing on a minimalist foundation. While this format exacerbates archivists in their never-ending quest to chronicle the band's history through Web-based set lists, it allows the trio a measure of freedom to take themes into previously uncharted territory. The result of these musical exploits can be measured only by exponential increases in the booty-shaking on the dance floor. Recreating a breakbeat/house DJ sound through the use of nothing more than keyboards, bass and drums (with the occasional beatbox action provided by drummer Darren Shearer) is no small task. Add that to the fact that TND employs no sequencers or samplers on its recordings or live and it becomes an almost impossible feat. Regardless, I challenge anyone out there to attend Friday's show blindfolded and pinpoint the precise moment when the trio hits the stage following what promises to be a fluid transition from the opening DJ to full live band. (Joshua Valocchi) | ||
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