The Beta Band don't usually do things by halves. As with the soaring success of their three EPs and the self-derided calamity of their eponymous debut album, the group favour extremes. So the only frustrating thing about last Wednesday's performance at the Red Box was that, despite flashes of brilliance and delight, overall the Betas settled for a comfortably competent set.
The British group arrived onstage in three faux spacesuits with frontman Steve Mason decked out in a magisterial flowing robe. The three cosmonauts and one space cadet launched into a boisterous Inner Meet Me as rocket thrusters rumbled the stage and electronica effects underscored the good-vibe groove.
This is where we enter uncharted territory, Mason announced, introducing a set which shunned their debut album entirely, featuring a host of songs from their forthcoming album, Hotshots II. Aborted single Squares unfurled darkly with a descending bass line and shimmering guitar, while project ions of circuit boards and astral maps enhanced the alienated splendour.
Following an up-tempo Dr Baker, bathed in waves of funk and swathes of white noise, a polished Dry The Rain drew the biggest cheer of the night with its mix of raspy programmed beats, impossibly funky bass and laidback trumpet.
The House Song best encapsulated the Beta Band's dizzyingly spirited approach to music. As they embarked on an all-out rhythm workshop, Mason brewed up a storm on the congas, then the drum kit, before heaving an unwieldy double tambourine, while the others hammered away at any percussive instrument in reach.
