Review: Gnoomes – the House of Rapture
The House of Rapture this evening played host to another night on behalf of Pie & Vinyl. This time headlined by the psych sounds of Gnoomes, all the way from Russia.
Support for the evening came from a little closer to home, with all 3 acts being Portsmouth based. While I missed the experimental sounds of Rumi So Yo, I did manage to arrive in time for ambient duo Chet Wynne.
Chet Wynne (Photo Mr Teeth)
Chet Wynne and Highlights of Our Modern World
I found Chet Wynne were more of a lo-fi art performance than the “blues-inflected post-rock ambience” that it’s described as. Which is absolutely fine by Mr Teeth, as despite the constant buzzing from the PA this was pretty mesmerizing stuff. The repetitive bassline taking prominence while subtle guitar loops were overdubbed with sampled dialogue.
Next up was the more familiar Highlights of Our Modern World, a firm favourite with the Pie & Vinyl organisers. We were certainly in need of something a little more lively, although the minimal electro beats produced by HOMW aren’t exactly dance floor anthems. This is more chilled out, bop your head approvingly post-club music. As such, the combination of Chet Wynne and HOMW creating a rather intriguing soundtrack for the night.
Gnoomes – Photos by Joe Watson
Gnoomes – the House of Rapture
Currently on tour promoting their 3rd album “MU!” Gnoomes have broadened their line-up with the addition of synth player Masha Piankova. The keyboards are a welcome addition, although without taking anything away from the rest of the band.
While earlier in the night the buzz through the PA may have been slightly distracting, there was no chance of a reoccurrence during Gnoomes. There were hardly any breaks between songs as the audience were left captivated by a set full of Serbian shoegaze, the music being all that was needed.
At times it was hard to decipher what your ears should be focussed on, although each layer worked harmoniously with the next. There are a number of levels to Gnoomes, culminating in a wash of music that works really well.
In fact, live Gnoomes are somewhat more intense than on record. The fuzzy psychedelia combined with the shoegaze indie, resulting in somewhere between Spacemen 3 and a less intense version of My Bloody Valentine.
While Gnoomes may not be delving into new territory in the grand scheme of things, with their new album out the Russians appear to have found their calling. Which for tonight, was that of Portsmouth’s dinosaur church at the House of Rapture.
Words/Chet Wynne Photo: Mr Teeth Reviews
Gnoomes Photographs: Mr Joe Watson
Review: Gnoomes – House of Rapture
Gnoomes – House of Rapture
Gnoomes
