Ex-Easter Island Head @ Kazimier, Liverpool, 20 Apr

Liverpool-based group Ex-Easter Island Head are in a celebratory mood, having released two highly acclaimed minimalist records in the past 12 months. The most recent, Large Electric Ensemble, is something of a victory lap, which trades their mallets for an exhilarating, if slightly more on the beaten track, minimalist post-rock composition. Tonight, consisting of 12 electric guitars and percussion, the opening rings of a bell complement the shimmering stacks of tones that are more reminiscent of a cathedral organ than a large power chord. The singularly joyous nature of the piece is evident on the faces of the performers, who smile and nod consistently to each anticipated change in the course of the music. It’s at this point the majesty of the opening chords dies away to a resonant wash of harmonies, which unfortunately loses some of the ensemble’s momentum.

Despite the serene respite, it’s a welcome departure when the rhythmic urgent middle section kicks in. Making the harsh snap from nebulous rings to grungy chord progressions, the ensemble reawakens and notches itself up a gear for the final section, a sublime cacophony that demonstrates the band's sheer playfulness. The spectacle of watching permanent members Benjamin Duvall and Jon Hering attempting to out-rock each other each side of the stage is a joy in itself. As the final chord rings out to rapturous applause, leader Duvall can barely contain his pride in finally bringing his group’s boldest composition home.

Support has been handpicked by Ex-Easter Island Head, with ambient folk trio Trouble With Books providing a balance between familiar song sketches and esoteric noise and feedback. Feeding the celebratory side of the night is live techno act Lunar Modular, whose celestial melodicism and retrofuturist outlook has been sorely missed in Liverpool. However, almost upstaging the headliners is Richard Dawson, who is truly a one-of-a-kind singer. Interrupting himself constantly with absurd quips, Dawson is able to deprecate in a heartwarming way that adds gravitas to his brand of forlorn folk, recounting tales both bizarre and dark – often simultaneously – under a bed of Fahey-esque guitar work. A real treat of a night.