Those of you lucky enough to experience one of Radiohead’s fantastic U.S. shows this summer will hopefully remember the short Chinese guy who opened for the band, promising to “play some records incorrectly.” That short Chinese guy, DJ Kid Koala, proceeded to do just that, dropping a remarkable set on his trio of decks and giving thousands of rock fans a tantalizing glimpse into the world of turntablism.
For those who missed him last summer, as well as those hoping for another dose of his brilliance, the Kid comes back to the Black Cat this coming Wednesday with his latest project, the Montreal-based funk-jam outfit Bullfrog.
Last summer, in his triple-turntable-induced fury, Kid Koala introduced a new audience to his undeniably unique take on the art of turntablism. His techniques are not particularly groundbreaking?like many before him, such as the X-Ecutioners or Mixmaster Mike, Kid Koala utilizes techniques like needle-dropping to layer sample over sample, and then scratch them into oblivion. What the Kid does possess is impeccable taste and originality in selecting and mixing his records.
As my colleague Will Cleveland puts it, whereas most practitioners of vinyl-mining will juxtapose samples of a guy saying “I’ll kick yo’ ass” with kung-fu movie themes, Kid Koala works a more esoteric, but equally outrageous aesthetic. His sets during the Radiohead tour demonstrated just that?featuring stuff lifted from kindergarten singalongs and afternoon TV talk shows, in addition to some of the most otherworldly drum breaks in the business.
Born Eric San in the notorious herb-cultivation locale of Vancouver, British Columbia, the Kid’s rise to turntable royalty has been rapid. While born Canadian, he has spectacularly overcome that particular deficiency. How did he manage that? Well, he left. A longtime admirer of laptop-toting London media-collagists (and bluntheads) Coldcut, Koala crossed the Atlantic in 1997 to wreak havoc on Coldcut’s own Ninja Tune label.
Since then, Koala’s star has been on the rise, first by releasing some well-regarded remixes of other Ninja Tune artists, in addition to a legendary mix tape, released by the label as Scratchappyland. Next came his debut LP?2000’s Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Then the Radiohead lads signed the Kid up to bring his scratch attack to audiences of thousands this summer. How, you might ask, did this veritable juggernaut of beat-digging fury follow up landing the choicest opening gig to hit the music world in years? Well, he joined a jam band.
That said, those of you expecting the same kind of wackiness the Kid displayed this summer with Radiohead may very well come away disappointed. Bullfrog is definitely not a Kid Koala solo project. While the efforts of guitarist/vocalist Mark Robertson are foremost in Bullfrog’s sound, Koala-trademark spoken-work samples add occasional interest, and his rhythmic scratching holds together more than a few otherwise ponderous jams.
Prior to this headlining tour, Bullfrog received its most exposure opening for avant-bonehead jazzbos Medeski, Martin and Wood. While this is usually definitely not a good sign, if anyone could spice up the likes of MMW, Kid Koala is the man to do it. While Bullfrog songs like the interminably boring “Slow Down” feature little more than some low-key background scratching, more interesting stuff can be found on the band’s theme song (which could very well double as a porno theme song), which features the Kid scratching out the sound of a croaking bullfrog. Clever, isn’t he?
While this is all well and good, those looking for dynamite turntablism may very well come away disappointed from next Wednesday’s show. You probably aren’t going to hear many kiddy singalong samples or turntable solos. However, what this show does offer is a chance for all you unrepentant DMB and Dispatch fans out there a chance to broaden your horizons without completely letting yourselves go.
I mean, I wouldn’t want to send you guys to see a real DJ. To quote the Kid from his website: “Sometimes it’s just about putting chickens in the track and scratching them until they explode at the end.” You just don’t want any part of that.
The Black Cat is located at 1811 14th St., N.W.
