The Moonlandingz are a “cosmic synth, krautobilly” band from
Valhalla Dale, just outside Sheffield and headed by narcissistic frontman Johnny
Rocket.
Or at least that is who they were, as depicted on The
Eccentronic Research Council’s recent record Johnny Rocket, Narcissist & Music Machine… I’m Your Biggest Fan.
The album, featuring, and narrated by actress Maxine Peake, documents the tale
of J Rockets’ stalker.
Though originating as a fictional band The Moonlandingz, are,
in reality a 6 piece consisting of members of The Eccentronic Research Council
and Fat White Family.
This weekend they returned to The Picture House Social,
having filmed a recent video for Sweet
Saturn Mine (Sean Lennon De-Mix) here a few months prior. Despite the
credentials of the individual collaborators, it is fair to say it’s impressive
that they have sold out all of their gigs on this short tour across the north
of England and in London.
Despite being in the room awaiting the presence of the band
there was something surreal about the whole affair and an expectation of
something great. The atmosphere was electric and kicked off in kind as soon the
band exploded onto the stage with opener, Sweet
Saturn Mine.
Throughout the show there was an element of mystery and delirious
abandon which had clearly set in. Which Moonlandingz exactly were we watching?
Are they “The” Moonlandingz or are
they The Moonlandingz. Quite frankly I don’t care. The fact that there was such
enjoyable confusion was sufficiently unique.
There is time to ponder, as clearly there are plans afoot
for continued activity. After Psych Ersatz, a number of new tracks (aka. Not featured on the mini
EP) were included in the set.
Forty Thousand Years
had a krauty groove and explosive attitude.
Whereas the succeeding Dirt Red
Rose conjured a sort of carnival meets Cash somewhere on a dark Yorkshire
road sound. An odd concoction of dizzying country psych.
Constantly hearing both Fat Whites and ERC influences, one
got the feeling there was an element of conflict and tension causing the band
to burn bright. Another new one Black
Hans was cosmic but not spacey. Frenzied and yet somewhat restrained. Everything
just bubbling beneath the surface with total assuredness of forthcoming
implosion.
Slowling the pace, Lay
Your Head Down on the Road returned to a more familiar landscape for those
approaching from an ERC narrative. More embedded within the story presented on Johnny Rocket. Oddly however, it felt almost
obligatory and disjointed. Were The Moonlandings pretending to be The
Moonlandingz?
Final track Man in Me
Lyf saw a total blast of into the cosmos causing apparent loss of motor
functions in many in attendance; total abandon. And then they were gone.
Taken slightly aback by the full on assault of music and the
audience alike (the latter caused me to spill gin all over my face) I was left
somewhat reeling physically, whilst my internal monologue was still pondering
whether or not I had indeed just been to see a real or imaginary band. This
reflected dualism of identity, or relational dissonance as I tried to describe
it at the time, was part of the excitement.
Sure we were all physically present. But somewhere within
that ineffable space between the physical reality, Johnny Rocket was breaking through
from the beyond to reclaim his rightful place on the stage (spoiler, he dies).
(Note: It may (or may not) be revealing that if you misspell
the Moonlandingz, Google wants to tell you they are a hoax. Bear it in mind).
JT
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