Live review from Zap! Bang! magazine London Bull and Gate 19th october 2005

Retrieved from
http://www.zapbangmagazine.com/music/live_reviews/lapsus-linguae-slash-hunters-loaf

United Kingdom
London
Bull & Gate
2005-10-19
Rated 10 stars out of 10(!)

I have heard of Lapsus Linguae — in fact I’ve called them my favourite band many times. Yet this was my first time to see them; they had been on a hiatus for sometime after losing Gunthor Hunter to a fetish he has with ‘felt penz’. Now recording a new record, and making their own record label — I expected them to be back with all the rapacity they’re reknowned for. Or apparently not, for Lapsus Linguae have toned down such things as violence, spitting and threatening the audience. However, this does not mean there wasn’t the occassional outburst of one of these things; there simply wasn’t the abundances I have heard of. …whilst being the utmost ‘METAL’ in all denotations of the word

Starting with a seemingly revamped version of “You Dizzy Me”, Lapsus made me extremely excited. The energy, for me, was incomparable in regards to all the live acts I have seen all year. Shit, these guys are playing rhythms and melodies that most people would consider impossible; all whilst throwing their Scottish torsos left, right and centre — whilst all dressed in white, Lapsus Linguae shirts with matching trousers.

The most amazing thing about this band is that they’re playing this strange progressive/classical blend whilst being the utmost ‘METAL’ in all denotations of the word. Your eyes will feel compelled to turn round and look inside your head — there is too much to look at. The drummer, ‘Raga Wu’, places his cymbals so high he can just about reach with his sticks; this did not cease him from offering indefatigable drum lessons.

The most gaudy factor that remains in the set is the comic oratory of ‘Penelope Collegefriend’ (Piano/Bass/Vocals). In between songs, he’d offer baiting jokes of all sorts, which always led to laughter amongst the whole audience. Such descriptions of the set are an attempt to have you watch this band if you haven’t already. They say their music is thematic; and this spreads far beyond what you simply hear. Lapsus Linguae will mingle with all your senses

What matters most about the music of Lapsus Linguae — for me at least — is that they evade every convention or expectation you could have in music. Yet they haven’t done this by releasing records that are purely a whisper or no sound at all; they’ve given the listener everything that’s fucking great in music wrapped in one picnic basket of joy. This was especially displayed on their debut and only LP: You Got Me Fraiche. Penelope Collegefriend and Magaloof Taylor (their real names I assure you) are the chief writers of everything I’ve heard of them so far. I cannot comprehend how these two young men have written the scores they have: room shaking cacophonies, probably some of the best concertos released on a contemporary record and some intense, vehement piano playing. Talking of amazing piano playing, they finished with “Parade! (And That’s An Order)” — probably my favourite Lapsus track.

So, they’re back, and with new guitarist T-Bone The Magnificent to boot. This is their first tour in a long time, and they mostly played what seemed to be new material. They said before the gig they aren’t at their highest level of confidence. This is because, in a stereotypical Lapsus Linguae fashion, they’ve gone and learnt alot more music. One can only imagine what’s soon to be coming from Lapsus Linguae, and I imagine things are going to get better and better.

by Chico Foley