Connan Mockasin / Teleman @ King Tut's, 22 January

Live Review by Bram E. Gieben | 28 Jan 2014

Teleman's 'we sound like the Beach Boys but look like Kraftwerk' schtick carries remarkably well - in button down shirts, hair neatly parted, the London lads harmonise and churn out choppy, keyboard-driven riffs in an agreeable fashion. What they lack in edge and dynamic, they make up for with a reserved cool, and polished musicianship. Debut single Cristina, in particular, achieves the union of breezy pop and moody electro remarkably well, pitched like a more sedate Django Django.

"Your hair's gorgeous, Connan," calls a heckler, commenting on Mockasin's shoulder-length blonde locks. "But what's the deal wi' hairdo?" The 'hairdo' in question is Mockasin's guitarist, whose backcombed fringe is sculpted into a cone, like one of the helmets from 80s cartoon Battle of the Planets. Mockasin handles the Glasgow banter well, getting the crowd to contribute ethereal 'ooohs' and harmonies.

Tracks from Forever Dolphin Love are greeted warmly, and a closing I'm The Man That Will Find You is rapturously applauded. It's all very sexual. Connan Mockasin makes the weirdest baby-making music you've ever heard, woozily swaying from Prince-like R&B crooning to gentle, fragile folk, it's immaculately played; the occasional cracks in Mockasin's reedy falsetto adding even more charm. Prog rock sections laced with noodling guitar and gently brushed drums are hypnotic. The crowd leave feeling decidedly post-coital. [Bram E. Gieben]

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