Absolutely Frabjous!

I think this was only my second Nightshift review. The Brotherton bit was, probably rightly, excised from the printed version.

JABERWOK/ RICHARD BROTHERTON/ WHERE I'M CALLING FROM, G Bar, Delicious Music, 10/04

The Daily Mail might be certain that exams are getting easier, but here at Miserable Critics Central it's as tough as ever to get a good review, even if you're still at school. Luckily, Where I'm Calling From score higly on any scale, and considering they're only 17, that's a real achievement.

The performance is good rather than outstanding, but they have a wealth of songwriting ideas and are honing a most individual voice for themselves. It's a sensitive but muscular indie sound, a chunky cross between Belle & Sebastian and The Wedding Present: one tune even sounds like "Brimful Of Asha" rewritten by The Smiths, which is a great concept. Granted, there are faults - some clunky rhythm work, a few Idlewild doldrums, the singer's infuriating mannerisms - but I'll forgive them. Call me patronising, but it's refreshing to see teenagers making such interesting, assured music.

Richard Brotherton thankfully leaves The Gs at home and plays an acoustic blues set. Can;t tell you more as WICF's friends talked loufly all the way through. Knew I hated kids really.

Funk zen teaches, "first learn how to play, Groovehopper, then learn when not to play". Jaberwok have missed the second clause, attempting music built entirely from crescendoes. Don't they know the best dance music is based on anticipation? Still, they may lack restraint, but their acid jazz meets P-funk set is enjoyable. Perhaps the instrumental section fares best, improbably melding JTQ, Baby Ford and Pink Floyd, and rugs begin to be cut.

All good, and slightly ordinary, fun, but then from nowhere the band morphs into a supertight acid-frazzled beast for the last three numbers, getting twice as intrictae and five times as funky without warning. So I cross out all my notes and watch those rugs getting properly shredded. It goes to show you never can tell, as old folk like me sometimes say.