Live review: Hypnotic Brass Ensemble at Band on the Wall, Manchester
Summer has arrived and Manchester’s Band on the Wall played host to an act on Saturday that could not be better placed to get the carnival atmosphere into full swing.
The natural chemistry of Hypnotic Brass Ensemble’s makeup alone is enough to draw in a listener, but beyond that, they have built up a loyal following of fans—perhaps not people who would normally be so excited at the thought of spending their weekend watching a brass band.
But this project brings the most traditional of instrumentation right up to date in a way that enthrals and captivates with unbridled energy.
A set of brothers who have been playing shows since they were children, performance, extravagance, and dedication have been in their blood since day one, given that their father is the iconic jazz trumpeter Phil Cochrane of the Sun Ra Arkestra.
Cochrane was known for spearheading an immersive project, fusing music that was equally influenced by the avant-garde and the infectious nature of pop hooks.
It could be said that the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble tries to do the same thing, but the resulting sound is very different. One criticism of bringing hip-hop to the live stage is that the tangibility of the music can often become lost in a world of pre-recorded DJ loops and babbling MCs.
But the phrase ‘backing track’ isn’t one that the brothers seem to have ever even slightly considered. Although they have basically never known anything else, having been ordered by their father to wake up at 6am every day to practice before school, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble never missed a beat – to the full appreciation of the packed out crowd at Band on the Wall.
The seven-piece horn group is accompanied by guitar, bass and drums in a way that offers a nice role reversal of the purpose that brass would normally serve while backing up a rock band. This also adds a fluidity to the performance with an MC who comes and goes at his own leisure and band members swapping their horns for the mic at numerous junctures to get the audience going.
Trademark ‘Balicki Bone’ is probably the quintessential demonstration of what the band are about. It seamlessly combines soul, jazz, hip-hop, funk, blues and R&B in a way that is organic and full of energy.
There’s something about this limitless enthusiasm the band has for the audience and the ability of Manchester crowds to set off any party that explodes on the night. Band on the Wall has long had a reputation for being the venue of choice for the world’s finest to perform within relatively intimate surroundings, and based on this show, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble must be considered among the best of them.
Inevitable crowd pleasers ‘War’ and ‘Kryptonite’ work perfectly alongside more recent material, creating an atmosphere that is not so much a rollercoaster of a show but more of a constant peak that never comes down. It’s been one of the hottest days of the year so far, and the visit of the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble has ensured it continues to be a sizzler even after the sun has disappeared.
