T on the Fringe: Money Mark @ The Liquid Room

For those who arrive early, foreplay before the Money shot comes from London sextet Just Jack. Serving the kind of live-band funk hip-hop that could only be produced by Britain, their gritty stories - told with a smile and wink, accessible but never simple - could mark these guys out as ones to watch. Opening with a spectacular feedback solo that segues into a mash-up of ferocious funk, deep soul, dancing competitions, technical wizardry and banter, it is clear that being the fourth Beastie Boy is not as covert a role as being the fifth Beatle. Whether on the guitar, keyboard, harmonica, theremin or drumkit, Money Mark summons up the spirits of Syd Barrett and Brian Wilson's insanity in a perfect mix that touches upon everything from noise-hop to N'Orleans blues. With a 50/50 split between songs and horseplay, this night feels like a party more than a gig, with audience members frequently being brought up on stage to help out, to hold things, or just to make fools of themselves. What can you sensibly say about a man who over the course of the evening plays a circuit-bent kazoo; the keyboard while playing the bass line with his feet; a song because his mum demanded it was in his set list - and gives out airplane food as prizes? All that was missing were the party bags. [Ali Maloney]