Groove Armada impressed at a sold-out Pyramids Centre tonight with a more band-based performance of their laid-back electronic vibes.  The show had a very jazzy and loose feel to it, with lots of live manipulation of samples making them s-l-o-w d-o-w-n and speed up at the turn of a dial.

Some sounds which in the original recorded songs appear as synths, such as bass lines, were replaced with "real" instruments, all underpinned by drum sequences overlaid with live percussion, guitars, and keyboards.  The classic track 'At The River' featured some fine trumpet playing, and sped up into a dance remix for the middle section, with the 'If you're fond of sand dunes' sample being cut into pieces and sped up accordingly.  Very clever stuff.

New single 'My Friend' featuring the guest vocals of Brandy is a potential hit, with its commercial sound and dance beats.

The full Pyramids was split 50/50 men and women, and the night had the feel of going to a good nightclub (felt more like Saturday night's 'Decadance' club night) than a gig at times.  Most people in the venue were getting into it and having a bop. Took ages getting a pint, mind you!

Review: Andrew Morrison