Words and photos by Mark Stimpson
I’ve been lucky to catch HENGE a few times and they always put on a great show. When I saw that the HENGE spacecraft would landing at the Arts Centre, I decided this would be a great way to kick off covering gigs in 2023.
Taking to the stage first was Manchester duo Elf Traps. It was their first gig and they are clearly talented musicians. While there was some impressive drumming, their 30-minute set of improv, rave jazz wasn’t really my cup of tea.
During the break a team of white suited technicians set up the stage ready for the headliners, Manchester based intergalactic ravers HENGE. The band consist of Grok on keyboards and Zpor on guitar and vocals (the two human-looking members); Nom on drums and Goo on bass and keyboards. One by one, the band take their places on stage. Finally front man Zpor takes to the stage looking like a cosmic Gandalf with a huge light up staff, flowing cloak and a large static ball on his head. The spaceship had landed to spread Cosmic Dross to all lifeforms in Norwich. It’s totally insane but extremely great fun. This is aliens playing space music, a close encounter of the musical kind. The band stay in character throughout and it’s clear they enjoy doing what they do. The music is energetic, trippy, quirky with a bassy beat running through it. Listening to the infectious groves you can’t help but want to dance along in fact I don’t think anyone in the room is standing still. Out front Zpor is like a Wildman as he dances and makes shapes across the stage. The audience are having a good time, a punter climbs on stage and stands behind Zpor for a couple of minutes. I’m thinking this a part of the show I haven’t seen before fully expecting them to join in. This is sort lived when security pull them off stage before escorting them from the building.
I’ve been taken to a galaxy far far away. My standout tracks are Indigo Dust, Bionica and the showstopper Demilitarise. I can’t help but keep smiling even when it’s over. My only complaint is that there were no dancing mushrooms.
If you haven’t seen HENGE before, I would recommend you do when they then next materialise in your town. I can honestly say you won’t experience anything quite like them.
I’m left with a warm feeling as I leave the venue. This is a great start to 2023.
