Taikoz – Australia-Japan Taiko Drumming Fusion
Taikoz @ Norwood Concert Hall
6:00pm, Sun 22 Feb 2004
Score: 6
Short Review: Disappointing
Taikoz is one of the ff regulars, but it hasn’t been until now that I’ve managed to schedule them in. The first set they played was fantastic – the opening piece accelerated beautifully, each player having their own rhythm, merging them into one fluid piece. The closer for the first set was blistering, too – then an interval, during which Taikoz mechandise (including DVDs!) was available in the foyer.
The second set… well, I was reminded a bit of Spinal Tap, so I labelled the second set “Free Form TaikOdyssey”. Introspective and unfriendly might be another couple of terms I’d use. Still, the second piece was a neat ambient number, albeit with a few vocal misfirings.
As with many performances that take place in larger venues, Taikoz often failed (especially in that second set) to engage the listener in a manner that is easier to achieve in more intimate surroundings. But when they do reach across to the audience, the results were explosive.
But it wasn’t all about the rhythm, however – every move the performers made onstage appears to be part of a wider experience; the choreography is wonderful. Performers leap over the stage and twirl their thumping implements spectacularly, synchronising with their peers in a blur of movement. Lighting is functional and refined, with some neat touches – witness the silhouettes being cast on the walls of the concert hall during the third piece of the evening.
Overall, this was a disappointing show for me; the opening three pieces were superb. A pity the energy didn’t seem to survive the interval.