Kneebody and Daedelus play up a storm at Rich Mix

Blending and bending forms of jazz, rock and electronic music, this collaboration bears the distinctive mark of Daedelus, featuring his intricate synthesis of samples and beats, combined with Kneebody’s fearless approach to sonic exploration.

Kneedelus’ sound world is predominantly eerie and macabre, sometimes wistful. To experience this live is to be fully immersed in their world, where lines of form, rhythm and harmony are always blurred. The harmony twists and tugs at plaintive horn lines, which sound distant and lost, a feeling enhanced by heavy reverb and echo effects. Daedelus’ dark electronics add layer upon layer, blurring form and rhythm with increasing complexity. Listening to this you feel as if you’re floating alone in some small vessel in space, or perhaps on a dark and often turbulent ocean; the best way to get into it is to relax and allow yourself to drift.

From the audience’s perspective, this was a great gig to watch. Although a little worn from their tour, the band were immersed in the music, exploring and taking risks. It was inspiring to see such warmth and playfulness between members of the band. Note that I make no distinction between Kneebody and Daedelus; the group work as one, as if they have always been a sextet. This unity was particularly clear during a thrillingly adventurous solo from saxophonist Ben Wendel, when the other players lit up with enthusiasm, sending him glances of joyful encouragement.

The audience itself was intently focused, as some tapped, some moved, while others became absorbed by the sounds. Some listeners gathered around the edges of the room, chilling out on the floor, happy to let the music wash over them. After an intense journey, the set ended with Daedelus’ gentle composition ‘Fall In Love’, which brought the audience back to earth, or at least eased its return.

Kneedelus is a challenging proposition, for both performer and listener. It grooves, but you can’t skank to it absent-minded. Nor can you predict where it’s going, nor how it arrived at a given point, making it all the more exciting. Live, Daedelus and Kneebody make an incredibly engaging and immersive combo. The rewards are even greater if you’re prepared to let the music take you in.

– Marlowe Heywood-Thornes

– Photos by Annelous Konijnenberg