#HIFA Some stood in appreciation; some stood to sneak out – a mixed response from Friday night’s Remix Culture audience at the Global Stage.
What started as a magical blend of violin, cello and vocals, filled out with creative electronic loops and other sound effects, quickly became a directionless and rambling show to nowhere.
A performance that failed to launch, 25 minutes into their hour-long gig the trio were still on their first piece and audience members shuffled uncomfortably and started leaving the venue.
The three member group consists of unquestionably world-class performers, and their fusion of styles has potential for an inspiring musical experience, and one would not for a second believe that this was the same crew that had dazzled the crowd earlier on in the day as they brilliantly collaborated with Netsayi and Black Pressure on the Telecel Main stage.
The unimpressive Remix Culture | WWW.ZIMBOJAM.COM
However, their HIFA set didn’t deliver, sounding underprepared and self-indulgent.
Visually the trio was also at odds with their audio output. Vocalist, Helga Davis’s vibe and outfit, better suited to a high-energy punk rock show or kickboxing contest, had us scratching our heads during this mellow, trans-inducing set.
A welcome break in the otherwise monotonous performance came from an energetic interplay between the violin and cello. However, once the meandering vocals started again there were more drooping eyelids, checking of phones and yawns from audience members.
The performance concluded with a curious audience call and response, with some obedient audience members trying to follow a range of lyrics – “Want to be your voice and sing for you; Want to be your lungs and breathe for you, Want to be your…” Yawn.
While a handful of audience members rewarded the performance with a standing ovation, we felt it was more suited to background music for a yoga studio or the bedroom.
