=RaZ= @ Manchester Academy [28/02/03]

Psychedelia: it’s the word that goes with sensemelia. But is it the accompaniment or the replacement?

It’s a refreshing sight, at a university venue event, when the band provide a stub actually worthy of retention rather than some flimsy generic flyaway uber-named piece of paper. Red balloons are not valid for this show, apparently. Just smile and nod. It’s a recurring theme.

It’s a beautiful thing when you can have your mind blown for you. I’m not talking cerebral head, so to speak, but just flabbergastation and incredulity. Yeah, they’re the kind of thing you’re allowed to make up words for. It didn’t make sense on record and it sure as hell ain’t making any sense right here. I’m totally wasted by now and I haven’t had anything to drink or smoke or swallow, tonight. I’m not sure I want to know the feeling, had I. I’m getting way too happy ingesting psychedelia for this moment.

=GaZ= @ The Forum, Kentish Town [08/03/03]

We've been here before, haven't we? Yes we have, and the second time around, some things have changed in Jelly world. Other things, perhaps the most important ones, have not.

It's very much a show now, with Deakin and Franglen taking their hands to an almost double-figure of instruments, coupled with a natty lightshow. Whereas before, the venue was plagued with all manner of inflatable debris, now there's only a smattering of balloons to keep aloft. Maybe its in order for us to pay attention to the handy instrumentation and natty lightshow.

But it's the music where it still doesn't work. If you play dance music in a rock venue, then its pretty much gotta rock, and Lemon Jelly's songs, to put it simply, are far too nice for that. Which is a shame, because 'Lost Horizons' is a wonderful album, but it's a headphones album not a foot-on-the-monitors event.

Things pick up with 'Return To Patagonia', 'Closer', 'Staunton Lick' and inevitably, 'Nice Weather For Ducks'. Equally, the band's use of 'If You Leave Me Now' by soft-rock giants Chicago in the middle of 'In The Bath' is brilliantly inspired and prompts much lighter waving. And you have to say, the docile duo have got some great stage banter going on, including their inter-band debate on the best preparation for eggs before announcing their next song as '(Sc)Rambling Man' (yes, it was very funny at the time). However, 'Rambling Man' was one of the most disappointing tunes, and I was hugely gloomy when the the sample of 'Kentish Town' halfway through the song got nary a cheer.

But that's what happens when you venture out with the Jelly crew, its hardly going to be a rocky ride. In fact, it's generally far too smooth...