MAN BITES GOD: THE POPULAR ALTERNATIVE
13/10/05 Filed in: Review CD
Whimsy,
satirical, lateral or just downright silly? These are
some of the words one could use to describe Man Bites
God, who have just launched their new album, The
Popular Alternative.
Man Bites God launched their new album, The Popular Alternative, last week, performing two sets in front of fans from deep within the bowels of the Corner Hotel in Melbourne.
Man Bites God, (James Hazelden, Mark Woodward and Chris Tomkins) have been kicking around the Melbourne comedy scene for five years now. Their second album has built on their regular repertoire of bawdy jokes about male bits, women and religion with momentary insights of subtle social and political commentary. Songs like The War March, Win at all Costs and Rock and Roll Lifestyle stood out from the regular routine for their gentle satire and whimsy lyrical intricacy.
The new album features a mischievous cameo from the rich and resonant vocals of Deborah Conway. Yes, that Deborah Conway. Her song, Bride of the Dragon, about the rigours of being married to a Ninja is great fun. Deborah, who is promoting her latest offering, Summertown, was a highlight of the first Man Bites God set.
Man Bites God have an ability to surprise and delight an audience, with their whimsy lyrics, witty but often bawdy banter, not to mention the harmonised complexity of their vocals. Their coordinated anarchy is entertaining, however sometimes their more intelligent humour is overshadowed by cheap laughs. Whilst not as polished as other trios, Man Bites God are definitely worth seeing. Just don’t take your children.
Stage
Nahum Ayliffe
Man Bites God launched their new album, The Popular Alternative, last week, performing two sets in front of fans from deep within the bowels of the Corner Hotel in Melbourne.
Man Bites God, (James Hazelden, Mark Woodward and Chris Tomkins) have been kicking around the Melbourne comedy scene for five years now. Their second album has built on their regular repertoire of bawdy jokes about male bits, women and religion with momentary insights of subtle social and political commentary. Songs like The War March, Win at all Costs and Rock and Roll Lifestyle stood out from the regular routine for their gentle satire and whimsy lyrical intricacy.
The new album features a mischievous cameo from the rich and resonant vocals of Deborah Conway. Yes, that Deborah Conway. Her song, Bride of the Dragon, about the rigours of being married to a Ninja is great fun. Deborah, who is promoting her latest offering, Summertown, was a highlight of the first Man Bites God set.
Man Bites God have an ability to surprise and delight an audience, with their whimsy lyrics, witty but often bawdy banter, not to mention the harmonised complexity of their vocals. Their coordinated anarchy is entertaining, however sometimes their more intelligent humour is overshadowed by cheap laughs. Whilst not as polished as other trios, Man Bites God are definitely worth seeing. Just don’t take your children.
Stage
Nahum Ayliffe