Tandoori Knights – Il Motore – 30.11.11
To most of us, Bloodshot Bill is no stranger to Montreal stages. The journeyman and multi instrumentalist has long been a mainstay on the rockabilly scene and has impressed many a crowd with his snorts, snarls and sneers while continuously putting his guitar through the ringer. His infusion of energy and humour, rhythm and blues is truly original, sincere and raucous. Pulling double duties as both opening act and as part of Tandoori Knights seems to be something Bill relishes in and, indeed, excels at. The genuine article as both a showman and apparently as a friend (considering his impromptu Happy Birthday song) Bill got the motor running right out of the gate.
The Crystal Stilts are a New York based post-punk band that at first seemed to be a strange pairing for the Knights, and I was a little dubious as they slowly got under way with hypnotic projections and a dark, deep, low-end sound. Perhaps it was the shift from the straight ahead and very full on Bloodshot Bill to the more melodic edge of Crystal Stilts that had me scratching my chin, but as the five piece found their footing, they also found their niche within the crowd. The neo-psychedelic dream scape that the band produced both sonically and with the help of their visuals gave me moment to pause and absorb my surroundings while the steady rhythm and creative melodies held my attention. An very intriguing twist to the evening.
The Tandoori Knights are an international bunch of musical misfits that are part rock-rabble-rousers and part traveling side show. King Khan and Bloodshot Bill, who are both of Indian descent, combine a little of South East Asia, a lotta American rock n’ roll and top it off with some costumed stage theatrics that make it entirely impossible to stand still. Zany lyrics, back and forth singing and ‘harmonizing,’ and serpentine dancing made this Tandoori party the special of the night. Fast paced jumpers like “Tandoori Twist,” “Bucket Full,” and what I think was a cover of Mitch Ryder’s “Devil with a Blue Dress,” propelled the crowd into a full on musical melee, while some slowed down love songs showcased their more ‘sensitive’ sides. Both Khan and Bill are born showmen and effortlessly extol the virtues of a life of rock n’ roll and reckless abandon, yet maintain an honest and professional attitude, creating something original that one naturally gravitates towards. When heading out to see Tandoori Knights, don’t be shy to have a second helping! -Tim O’Connor
