October 5, 2001

Gorky's Zygotic Mynci : London EC1 Shaw Theatre

"It's Gorky's. . .to the power of ten!" laughs Euros Childs, waving at a stage overflowing with shuffling people and musical instruments.

"It's Gorky's
. . .to the power of ten!" laughs Euros Childs, waving at a stage overflowing with shuffling people and musical instruments.
Normally a reasonable quintet, Gorky"s
aren't a band renowned for their decadent extravagance, so tonight is something of a Cecil B DeMille gesture for them - a decision to play the whole of their lovely new album 'How I Long To Feel That Summer In My Heart', with all the strings and brass and harps in place. Not to mention producer Gorwel Owen on
keyboards and Norman Blake, who's here to supply a few harmonies, a bit of guitar and, endearingly, a constant grin. You know how he feels. Because, whileGorkys
and associates might not offer the last word in untrammelled showmanship, all this musical abundance radiates the kind of creative warmth that could cover this Winter's heating bill with glow
to spare. Gathering round the gentle crackle of folk and country, the band cover a deceptively wide range of emotional stories: the maudlin gloom of 'Dead Aid' and bassist Richard James' 'Stood On Gold'; the louche bar room cheer of 'Can Megan'; the dizzy Appalachian-pop freakout of 'Her Hair Hangs Long'. Operating at the power of ten clearly suits them, but it's never at the cost of their own unique personality. Once again,Gorky's
show there are different ways to stage a spectacular.

Victoria Segal