Gnarls not Crazy

Danger Mouse & Cee-Lo hit London's 229 Club for low key affair

12 June 2008 - There was always a danger that without a genre smashing single like Crazy – Gnarls’ second album The Odd Couple   might have let them down when it came to pure live delivery on the dance floor. An album this well produced, with all its layers and studio trickery can require a lot more than just the forceful imperious vocals of Cee-Lo Green. But what this gig lacked tonight  was a venue which could house that masterful gospel sound of a man which defined much of the summer of 2006.

It may be presumptuous to assume that at any Gnarls Barkley gig there will be costume changes – in the past they have opted for tennis clobber and even paraded flower power on stage, tonight Cee-Loo, with his tartan pants and blazer looked like he belonged on a golf course, his backing ensemble at Butlins and Danger Mouse in a “cool” league of his own – no costume changes or cheap gimmicks here then.

Early on and some fans did criticise the gig, one fan of 6 Music said: “ The venue lacked any kind of atmosphere.”

It took a while for this gig to warm up. During a seated and intense rendition of Neighbors the crowd lifted and it felt like the mood rose too. But all in all this wasn’t a gig full of explosive energy or hyper performances.

"The venue lacked any kind of atmosphere ."
Gnarls Barkley Gig Goer

With Crazy came some release – we had hands in the air and a half hearted sing along.

The wiry Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) remained sonic wizard throughout, little movement on his behalf, but with the encore of Smiley Faces even he could afford a little laugh.

Gnarls Barkley continue their shows at Bush Hall on 13 June and Islington Academy on 14 June.


Adrian Larkin