OK GO @ KoKo, Camden Town, London
4th Feb 2007
Following my first paycheck from my new graduate position, I found myself with money but nowhere to spend it. So being so close to London, it would be rude not to go into town and see some bands, wouldn’t it? the first of such jaunts into town starts with a trip to Camden town to see OK GO of backyard and treadmill fame. Attendees this time out were Jenks and The Docktor and we all met in a nice chilled out London pub next door, not before crashing a non-existent private party at the Purple Turtle. We sat chatted and guzzled cheap beers while the opening act “New York Fund” were playing in the venue, not great loss there then!
Now I haven’t been to KoKo before, and its a cracking venue for live music. The stage was high, standing was more than adequately sized but the sheer height of the venue its its selling point. nearly 4 tiers of people lines the red and gold themed palace on balconies rising to the roof, very impressive.
Venue aside the first act we saw were Quit Your Day Job, a hard rocking electronic duo form Sweden. These guys made short sharp punchy punk tracks with its tongue firmly in cheek. tracks with thrashy guitar followed by repeated chorus of “Look A Dollar!” sung in a variety of comical voices. They are not going to make it onto the cover of NME but it certainly gave us a good giggle, and excellent light entertainment, especially at the leg kicking action of the slightly overweight semi-naked keyboardist (not a nice sight believe me).
On strut Ok Go after having a cool chat to 2 Americans from D.C who went to see one of Arcade Fires ultra exclusive, sell your organs to get tickets, tiny church shows, gits! This started as any other gig, but turned into one of the most eclectic and different shows I’ve been witness to. Even though the guys in front of us were total twats and were intent on shoving anyone in the local area including a tiny Bulgarian girl who copped one in the face, Tits!! Hence why me and jenks played security guards for while restraining the tossers! After playing a few of their hits and album tracks from the new LP “Oh No”, they disappeared from the stage, much to the disappointment of all. 2 Minutes later a spotlight fell onto the first floor balcony where singer, bassist and guitarist had gathered with acoustic guitars and a xylophone. They played really different spins on couple of tracks including the superb “Million Ways”. Returning to the stage they rattled through an strange ELO cover and other classics such as “Your So Damn Hot”, “Get Over It” before finally sending us off with a stonking high octane rendition of “Here it Goes Again” leaving all feeling slightly disappointed that they didn’t bring their treadmills with them.
A quick fire encore followed in usual fashion, then not to disappoint the mass of ok go’ers the lead singer addresses the crowd. “We couldn’t bring the treadmills… But we did bring the backyard!” followed by the opening bars to Million ways for the second time this time accompanied by some cracking comical dance moves. That little bald dude can’t half strut the funky chicken like a diva! Only flaw of the venue was to be found at the conclusion, that the only way in a small tunnel no more that 3 people wide, was also the only exit. and with gig goes merging from all multiple floors from all directions this gets a bit tricky. Anywho this was a great gig from a band destined for greatness! Just as long as they keep producing more, now trademark, dance routines.
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