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Basement Jaxx @ Brixton Academy, London
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By Matthew Hirtes
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Thursday, 18 March 2004
Notting Hill famously has a carnival. To the best of my knowledge, Brixton hasn't. There is no need. Not when local residents Basement Jaxx are playing. They get the party started after a disappointing slot by support band Audio Bullys. The West London duo sound like a Hyde Park Corner ranter. Therefore, by the time they have finished, no-one's paying them much attention.
The Jaxx kick off with a blistering 'Good Luck', coincidentally also the opener on their recent Kish Kash album.
Singers are rotated but my favourites are a feisty younger version of Tina Turner and a vocalist resembling a pre-diet Missy Elliott. Special mention must go out to the sole male behind the mike, a guy who sings falsetto in such a fashion to suggest he was a previously unknown member of the Jackson Five. As well as playing their own numbers, the Basement Jaxx ensemble do a passable impression of a 21st century Jive Bunny, albeit with better taste. So we have bursts of Kelis' 'Milkshake' and the White Stripes spliced with 50 Cent.
The crowd never stop jumping, but bounce highest to old fave 'Red Alert'. It sounds as fresh as ever. The only grumble is that despite playing an encore the band finish earlier than the expected 12.00am. That and the uninspiring support prevents them being awarded full marks. Yet these are minor criticisms and overall it feels like summer has come early. Long may the Brixton carnival nights continue. (4/5)
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