UNKLE

UNKLE review – James Lavelle's rock-star neediness stifles 2 / 5 stars 2 out of 5 stars.

This is an intriguing prospect especially after the success of director/composer John Carpenter’s recent spate of well-received shows.

The overblown feel, aided by many strings and the hall organ, offered plenty to watch, though restrained covers from Henson and musical director Mara Carlyle were the startling highlights. The rest of Meltdown looks tempting — no one ever questioned Lavelle’s impeccable taste.

From big names like Bjork and Massive Attack playing under the stars in the forecourt to French crooners Air performing an intimate secret show in the famous concert hall it's made for some truly inspired performances.

From fuzzy synth to clattery noises frugul robot mic effects and set off by some sultry dronesome vocals by Jade McInally the audience were transported to somewhere slightly ethereal.

The UK crew who include mainstay James Lavelle and a wide range of guest singers have a bunch of fast paced electro rock songs that just beg to be played live.

Their albums are built upon collaborations as eclectic as they are numerous with a revolving-door guestlist ranging from Thom Yorke to The Black Angels and across five albums the only real constant has been James Lavelle himself.