By Rose Chaplin, Third Year English
A perfect gig! My friend and I arrived at Jam Jar early to grab a drink and make sure we caught the support: King Heron, a Bristol based modern jazz trio consisting of Jacob Houghton on guitar, Cerith Evans on bass and Cameron Macdougall on drums.
The set was centred around their EP Risky Business, released in 2024, but branched out through improvisation around the playful grooves. The band were a joy to watch - melodic riffs that spiralled and weaved over and under thick bass lines and drums that both complimented and challenged what had come before.
What struck me most was the spontaneity and fun that oozed from King Heron: the tunes took on their own organic consciousness whilst remaining laid-back, furthered by the band reaching out to the audience to name some of their new untitled tracks.
After the uplifting support it was time for Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange (ZFEX), known as the ‘jam band’ moniker of DJ, producer and drummer, Ziggy Zeitgeist. Playing the second show of their current European tour, the trio is Ziggy on drums, Lewis Moody on keys/ synths/ vocals and Magic Manfred on bass.
From start to finish, they concocted a cosmic apocalypse of sound. The set spanned their new record INSPIRE // RADIALISE, released this year on Energy Exchange records - 18 tracks that encapsulate the euphoria of dance music whilst remaining untethered to genre.
It could loosely be described as psychedelic jazztronica; a delightful fusion of otherworldly house grooves with twinkling synths and funky disco bass that occasionally bordered on Krautrock territory, particularly during wonderfully absurd interpretations of Donna Summer and Prince. There's a track on the new album called ‘Cyber Funk’, whose title I think communicates pretty well the alien dance party vibe that had the considerable Jam Jar audience seriously getting our groove on.
The trio uniquely incorporated the influence of the Berlin club scene with their roots in Melbourne, resulting in an expansive and sensuous sound that looped and distorted within itself and the intricate percussion.
A true feel-good midweek gig that stirred the soul! I would recommend ZFEX to listeners of Jimi Tenor, Chaos in the CBD, Emma- Jane Thackray, Yussef Dayes, Ishmael Ensemble and Tenderlonious.
Featured image: Rose ChaplinWhat is your favourite ZFEX song?
