Isis - London Koko, October 21st 2009 [LIVE]
 

Isis' latest album “Wavering Radiant” left me a bit dubious after a first dig, but I always appreciated this band more live, so I’m looking forward to seeing if their new work will work its magic once again on stage.

First, supporting band Mothlite has the hard task of warming up a very demanding public. They’re surely valid musicians, with a sound full of atmosphere that is quite heavy in places. I’m considering getting their album, it would make a pleasant background depending on mood, but to be honest live, they could hardly handle a full show without losing the audiences attention in my opinion. Their half hour set is just about the right length to appreciate them.

If you have never seen Isis live, I guess a word about the crowd populating Koko tonight is in order. There’s no colourful kids or crowd surfing, at a first glance this audience is probably composed of a majority of musicians, here to listen carefully and judge mercilessly. Quite scary if you’re really not that good. And on this particular occasion, I decided to call in my more technical sidekick Captain Morgan for help with the review, so thanks to the Captain for his precious cooperation and his sober enthusiasm on the night in question!

But here comes the moment of truth, the one band we’ve been waiting for, ladies and gentlemen, Isis. Will they deliver once again? The first and last time I saw them was at Neumo in Seattle, still with the aforementioned Captain, and they blew both of us away: I hope this is going to be as good, if not better.

Isis are still using the Neurosis style, light and dark vocal approach; the band has developed a much more textured sound these days, experimenting with a treble guitar in places. The set is varied – obviously “Wavering Radiant” is heavily showcased (and yes, it is way better live), but with smatterings of their excellent albums “Panopticon” (2004) and “In the absence of truth” (2006). The 2009 Isis machine has become a very slick sounding machine, positioning the band at the forefront of the atmospheric metal scene that the crowd has assembled for.

Although totally conquered by their superior musical talent and creativity, I remember not being too keen on the singing that night at Neumo; however, even the vocals seem to blend effortlessly with their sublime atmospheres tonight. Love them or hate them, you really couldn’t find a flaw in this gig. OK maybe the lights, but that’s just because I have a camera in my hands. Brilliant. Absolute quality. And if you were into Isis before, be prepared: they’re getting even better.

Isis are not a typical rock band where you might like one or two tracks, there are not hit singles, they will never be mainstream. They do what they do, their crowd digs what they do, and you get the impression that both parties wouldn’t have it any other way.

Re: Isis - London Koko, October 21st 2009 [LIVE]
 

So who is Captain Morgan?? Your husband?

Re: Isis - London Koko, October 21st 2009 [LIVE]
 

It's a type of Rum recently immortalised by Alestorm in their song 'Captain Morgan's Revenge'

Re: Isis - London Koko, October 21st 2009 [LIVE]
 

He 'aint got nothing on Sailor Jerry.

Re: Isis - London Koko, October 21st 2009 [LIVE]
 

The Captain is my living Google and technical adviser, also someone who regularly listen to this kind of stuff I could never review on my own... :-) There's a reason why I really need a +1 sometimes!

I agree MIke

On Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 8:30 PM, Heron <> wrote:




--
I am a Welsh Record Producer, Graphic and Web Designer, Film Maker,
Photographer, Artist and Writer. Oh! I also own and run Altsounds.com

[MY PORTFOLIO AND TO HIRE ME]
http://www.screamadelica.co.uk

[MY BAND: BLEED ELECTRIC]
http://www.bleedelectric.com

Re: Isis - London Koko, October 21st 2009 [LIVE]
 

How does he help you review?

Chris, what do you drink it with?

Can't go wrong with a bit of Sailor Jerry's and Coke to be honest or I don;t
mind it straight up either.

On Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 9:18 PM, Heron <> wrote:




--
I am a Welsh Record Producer, Graphic and Web Designer, Film Maker,
Photographer, Artist and Writer. Oh! I also own and run Altsounds.com

[MY PORTFOLIO AND TO HIRE ME]
http://www.screamadelica.co.uk

[MY BAND: BLEED ELECTRIC]
http://www.bleedelectric.com

Re: Isis - London Koko, October 21st 2009 [LIVE]
 

Is Sailor Jerry a rhum? I never tried! Shall I?? :p

The Captain is my living Google in the sense that when it comes to musicians he's into can tell you all the discography, current band members, ex band members, gigs played in the past 20 years and so on, plus he's a musician himself, while I can't tell a shit bass player from Billy Sheehan for example. I need someone like that for a gig like Isis... A gig like the Wildhearts to me is more about emotions, Isis is more about the actual music. Does this make any sense?

We do "pre-gig preparation", and "after gig comments" sessions, sometimes he writes me some notes. He would NEVER bother composing and typing a review himself, I tried repeatedly to get him to join us as I think he'd be great, but he won't hear it.

However, when I have a +1 I always try to pick someone who's into the band to see their reactions and hear what they have to say after. I would never take the Captain to The Muse or Bowling for Soup! :-)

Re: Isis - London Koko, October 21st 2009 [LIVE]
 

That's fine, I was just wondering (I am quite nosey).

Chris, I tend to either have it with coke or.........ginger beer. Try it - it's fantastic.