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The Edition Thursday 1 December 2016
CULTURE
Extreme Rhythm Olivia Powell
Culture Editor @powell_olivia
Extreme Rhythm frontman Nick Bailey.
Extreme Rhythm, a 10 piece percussion band, performed a homecoming gig at the National Opera House in Wexford on Saturday, 26 November. Lead by frontman, Nick Bailey, the all-male percussion band wowed the Wexford crowd with their talent. Extreme Rhythm perform using many different styles and techniques of percussion such as - conventional drums and drum kits, Celtic percussion, Japanese Taiko drumming, African and Afro-Cuban among others. However, this home gig was special because Extreme Rhythm were joined by violin and vocal duo, Sephira. This combined strings and percussion worked incredibly well at some points but was a buzz kill at others. Extreme Rhythm are known for playing all different types of drums (loudly) whereas when Sephira were performing solo, the atmosphere changed to a more slow tempo. However, the combination cannot be faulted, they are fantastic. Throughout the show, Extreme Rhythm performed a variety of covers by such as Sia’s ‘Chandelier’, Micheal Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ and Led Zeppelin classic, ‘Whole Lotta Love’, which all received a positive response. Extreme Rhythm perform with great passion and enthusiasm, there is a lot of shouting involved too. There is a high level of physical
activity in what they do. The message which the band are aiming to get across to their audience is that ‘rhythm is universal’ and that everyone has rhythm within them whether they are aware of it or not. The show begins with an eerie dark stage and a voice stating: “Rhythm is universal... in a world divided by borders, currencies, laws and religions, it is a part of us which can never be tainted by external, social or political factors. Everything we do has a rhythm of its own… Our Heartbeat; Our Breath; Hunger; Sleep…are the rhythms of our very being.” The show closed with an incredibly loud but fantastic, drum-banging/playing finale from the lads and received a standing ovation from the audience. A show well done for Extreme Rhythm, it is clear they enjoyed the show just as much as the spectators did. Extreme Rhythm have been performing together for almost ten years, home and abroad. The band pride themselves on being ‘10 manic yet scrupulous percussionists’. According to Extreme Rhythm’s website, before they begin rehearsals, they endure “one hour of gruelling physical exercise”. ‘Saturn’s Shadow’ by Extreme Rhythm is out now and you can keep an eye on the Gammy nominee’s social media pages and website for announcements and details about upcoming shows.
Extreme Rhythm performing in concert.