Basement Jaxx - London Roundhouse

For anyone excited about the upcoming summer festival season – and let’s face it, who isn’t? – a ticket to Basement Jaxx would surely start fueling those energetic fires. From queuing to get inside to the blasting encore, you know you’re in for a night to remember.

These guys have certainly paid their dues on the live circuit and they’ve got the greatest hits collection to prove it. It’s for this reason, and not much else, that the first of two Roundhouse gigs was packed to the rafters. So it was no surprise that the show started with a bang, with the voluptuous singers bursting on stage to sing ‘Good Luck’ in over-the-top ‘80s prom dresses. And the sweat beads began to surface…

The ‘80s theme continued as the band whipped through hits including ‘Oh My Gosh’ and ‘Where’s You Head At?’, one singer even brandishing a giant, patriotically-coloured map of Africa around her neck in a decided nod towards Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav. It didn’t matter what size they were, they wore those costumes with confidence and sass – there most definitely is something to be said for knowing how to use that ‘junk in your trunk’!

And the fun didn’t stop at the female members – the voice of ‘Where’s Your Head At?’, Brendan Reilly, had a fanciful time prancing about in a skeleton body suit and feather cape through the night. One might think he’d taken the evening off from a Broadway cabaret act to appear on stage instead of being part of the touring party. Other male members of the band would also randomly appear on stage in Friday the 13th hockey masks, gorilla suits and even a panda outfit.

Other highlights included the slow rendition of ‘Romeo’ (half sung by the band and half by the audience) and the show-stopping tribal dance party evoked by the last song of the night, ‘Bingo Bango’. There’s no doubt the thong-sporting carnival dancer was shaking her tail feathers to the delight of many a male fan!

Despite all the glitz and glamour of the costumes, however, the one thing that really disjointed the whole concert was the extended periods between several songs. Granted, these were most likely costume changing opportunities, but the attempt to work the Tuesday night audience into a rave-style frenzy was not completely successful. Even a remix of Kings Of Leon’s ‘Sex On Fire’ during one of these little interludes drew only a short cheer. After all, it was a school night.

There was also a noticeable downwards shift in energy levels as the band slipped a few newbies into the set list – but, to their credit, said material had a promising showing in what was in all probability its first full outing to a London audience. A good sign for things to come at the many festivals they’re set to feature at in the UK and Europe this summer.

Words: Jen Wilson