A busy Saturday night at Rough Trade was the perfect launchpad for the debut album by Revenge of Calculon, a collection of super funky sounds on a lovely white slice of vinyl. Bassey reports...
The night kicked off with some great soul and funk sounds from DJ Sue Starbuck, as she made sure the audience were in the mood for dancing. I spotted a couple of local legends at the launch including fellow LeftLioneer Nigel King who was taking photos and electronic musician Filter Sequence who was in high spirits. It's the first time I've seen the talented DJ Sue Starbuck but with her soul sounds and ability to get a crowd dancing, I know it won't be my last.
The main support came from Derby-based singer songwriter Emzae and her 80s-influenced one-woman show. Armed with recorded beats, loops, backing tracks, keys and occasional guitar work, Emzae entertained the eager crowd and it's no surprise why she features regularly on BBC Introducing for the East Midlands. A local singer songwriter who has grown in ability over the recent years and it's great to see an artist who is happy to play a lo fi sound that skips all genres. The highlight of Emzae's performance was when she played Sweet Harmony by The Beloved, a nice moment.
Finally, Revenge of Calculon took to the Rough Trade stage with a three-man line-up rather than just the usual duo. The additional member was introduced as Mr Second Bass and because they all wore their customary Libra Luche Mexican wrestling headgear, it was impossible to know who the mystery musician was!
A packed Rough Trade crowd didn't care either; they wanted as much bass as the space funksters could deliver and so this was a welcome addition to the band. Funky electronic vibes mixed with gritty synth riffs, like some 1970s sci fi movie soundtrack, highly danceable bass lines delivered from a Fender Jazz bass and retro tracksuits too.
By now Rough Trade was packed and dancing was impossible, leaving only space for appreciative head nods to the sleazy funky rhythms. Go grab a copy of their debut album Manipulator from Rough Trade before it's too late. Music this good is hard to find, but thankfully impossible to forget.
Revenge of Calculon performed at Rough Trade on 26th October 2024.
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