Madame returns

It's a different world, certainly from the jazz scene.  I caught Madam Nightingale at Smiths on a Sunday afternoon on a tour from various national Art Fringes singing a synth-pop set entitled Dynamic Darkness with offsider Aj'Zho.  Different as far more presented, far more visual and abstruse, not at all more or less artistic for the nature of art here is direct, punchy to the stomach, intriguing for ideas and themes, like Supermodel or Into the dark of simply Dance with me.  In an interesting twist, I could walk straight from Murrays ex-Royal Princess and into the Madam set missing just a song or two.  I really like this style, all repeating synth tones although with occasional recorded harmonies and authentic sampled instruments, orchestral and otherwise, loud with deep and insistent grooves, softened with movement and thoughtful with lyrics rather than improv.  Just so different but entertaining and fun.  Different, too, from the covers and party bands I've been hearing recently, thoughtful as they can be in their own ways.  Great to catch our mates Phaedra and Dave again.

Madame Nightingale performed at Smiths.  MB are Phaedra Gunn (vocals, lyrics) and Dave O'Toole (keys, programming).