live reviews
"By this time, though, the main room itself is bubbling up a treat. Two parts London Elektricity, one part Rage
Against The Machine with a trace of Reprazent, d&b outfit Keiretsu are currently doing their reputation no harm
at all with a rockin' set of funk guitar licks, socially concious raps, triumphant trumpets and even live flute
sections. Ones to watch, indeed."
- DJ Magazine, reviewing Tempo Tantrum @ Brixton 2006live reviews
"Keiretsu are a breathtakingly eclectic drum 'n' bass collective whose chaotic
hotchpotch of styles and instrumentation resonates with an irrepressible beat cool...
From cacophonous breakbeat to vibrant samba, via snatches of freeform jazz and even folk,
the all-consuming energy immerses the crowd in an intoxicating joie de vivre.
Category-defying, sense-assaulting and displaying a ceaseless invention, the biggest compliment
you can pay Keiretsu is that for an hour and a half you are transported from the damp squib of
what passes as a Scottish summer to some hazy, sun-kissed euphoria. A unique and wonderful experience. (5/5) "
- Three Weeks, reviewing Edinburgh Festival set, 2004live reviews
"By fusing almost every potential musical influence under the sun with the trademark
skank out rhythms of drum and bass and breakbeat they have created something totally
original. Watching ten musicians actually play together in time is impressive enough
but when they're firing out breaks and bass at 170bpm and upwards you'd have to be
deaf or an incurable pop music fan not to be amazed...
Unlike many other live dnb outfits Keiretsu are incredibly accessible to people who
are not already fans of the genre. Though they have the speed, the energy and the
irresistible groove of dnb, they also have a certain musical integrity that creates an
extra dimension to their sound.... layers of very well written, very infectious
melodies that would interest even the staunchest of critics of the scene.
Keiretsu can sound like almost any genre of music you care to name.... there really
isn't anything around that sounds even close to this."
- Dognoise, reviewing Curves Live, Newcastle, 2004live reviews
"Keiretsu delivered an uplifting energetic show in a genre so often exported through turntables.
For a band so large to sound so tight was just an absolute pleasure to hear. Not only did they
cover the lighter side of the d&b sound, they jumped into some heavy bass driven tracks. Their
profound musicianship enabled them to move into different areas, creating weird melodies that
you wouldn't normally associate with this very production based genre. Amazing indeed."
- revolution, reviewing
gig @ The Gate, Newcastle, 2004live reviews
"Next up are Keiretsu who are, simply put, jaw-dropping, despite looking
not unlike a group of chemistry students on a field trip. Marrying licks
and hooks from ska, traditional folk and Motown-era soul to jungle's
dirty energy, theirs is an intense, multi-layered sound
that'll be headlining Glastonbury's Jazz Stage within the next two years,
if there's any justice. They gain the biggest audience response of the
evening, and deservedly so."
- Knowledge Magazine, reviewing DNB LIVE @ Cargo 2003
live reviews
"10 piece live drumnbass band Keiretsu well and truly rocked the house.
In fact, they were far broader than a standard d'n'b act - the line-up
featured congas, horns and even a violin, while their music showed
traces of everyone from Ozomatli to the Ozric Tentacles. The Keiretsu
performance was a one-off..."
- The Source reviewing Slackers gig, Brighton, 2003live reviews
"The ten-piece act played up to the lively crowd who showed their appreciation by bouncing along
to the hypnotic and very danceable sounds of familiar pumping drum and bass that had strong
undertones of folk and dance... As the exhausted crowd left I heard someone say "at last! A real
drum'n'bass night in Edinburgh where you come out dripping with sweat".
- Edinburgh Fringe Guide, reviewing gig @ Smirnoff Underbelly, 2003. live reviews
"proper mixture of styles, all blended safely and seamlessly into 1 amazing set. More of a
Jazz'n'bass style, well structured and sounding crystal all the way through, everyone feeling
the saxophone solo.... I had to give up taking pictures because I needed to hear this. I have
to recommend this to anyone who is dedicated to their drum and bass and want to hear a
truly impressive alternative to a heavy event. Mc's, drummers, sax player, violinist and many
other instruments all creating a phat sound worth listening too, again what amazing talent"
- henus.co.uk,
reviewing DNB LIVE @ Cargo, London, 2003.live reviews
"Although Keiretsu remain a drum'n'bass band, they draw on an extraordinarily
diverse palate that includes folk, Latin, jazz and Arabic pop. Considering
the impact of Reprazent and Kosheen, it's surprising there aren't more breakbeat
bands... With clubland having been revitalized by the live element and rock'n'roll
sounds in recent times, the genuinely original Keiretsu seem perfectly poised."
- feature, Newcastle Metro, 2004