“Good Lord, what an excited collection of young brutes,” quips Fripp at the start of the first of two shows this evening. The crowd certainly respond well to the band’s quirky mix that blends the brevity of pop with metrical complexities more usually associated with time-shifting minimalism. You can hear the agitated buzz and yowls of pleasure whenever Fripp goes into solo mode or those flashpoints when the band digs deep into a groove. What makes shows like this especially interesting is that none of the ‘excited brutes’ in the room will have been familiar with a single track on the group's setlist. When you think about it that’s quite a leap of faith you’re asking of an audience. Of course, if you’re leaping, then perhaps you’re already in the act of dancing of sorts and that’s kind of the point with this outfit. However, this audience isn't just there to lig about. There capable of dialing things down when necessary, listening during the calm interlude called Prelude (here referred to as Untitled) with respect and interest, suggesting this is a receptive lot with a willingness to trust the band and follow where they lead. Highlights of the show? Boy At Piano is especially rich tonight, Dislocated is just off the freakin’ charts, man, and Barry Andrews is on fire in the second Thrang thang. Obviously not literally on fire. Although you never know. . .
