one4review | On 16, Aug 2025

Any kind of Zappa tribute should feel like a carnival of chaos – sharp
wit, wild textures, and that unmistakable sonic mischief. What we got,
down in the hot basement under the bridge, was closer to a blurred echo.
Yes, two and a half hours of standing is a big ask, but with true Zappa
vibes or close you’d happily endure it.

From the back half of the room, screens helped us see, but hearing was
another matter. Sax lines from the two higher pitched saxes that should
have screeched were muted, the bass was overloud, and more than once we
found ourselves straining to recognise music we knew. Even those up
front grumbled about the mix – too much bottom end, plus too little
excitement from the stage.

The band members themselves? Competent it seemed, though it was hard to
be sure.  But detached. This wasn’t a joyful immersion in the Zappa
universe for them or us; it felt like a run-through by musicians who’d
lost the plot. A tribute band (even one not bothering to look even
vaguely the part) should, after all, radiate both respect and love for
the music, and here that spark was completely missing.

Things can happen to turn what should have been a great night, into
something very different – maybe all the band’s dogs had died! However
the verdict has to be that even three stars would be seriously
overgenerous, so it has to be a two.

With some fire, drive, and concentrated listening to the master by them
all including the tech before another/every gig, this could band soar.

**

Reviewed by HJ

Back Cave at Bannermans

20.30 (2hrs 30mins)

14 & 15 Aug only