Dan Le Sac Vs Fielding

Fri, Aug 14 2009

Written by:Roisin Kiernan

Noel Fielding and Dave Brown's latest comical venture, The Doctor And The Pencil, was launched last night (August 13) to a crowd of pap's and some rather bemused music fans.  Having taken one of the headlining slots at the 12-hour, seven-venue mini music fest - Macmillan's Brick Lane Takeover -  the Boosh star's promotional drivel unfortunately overshadowed another comical musical act, Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip (DVS), who provided a far better/skilled/intelligent - albeit understated (read dry) - comical/musical performance.

Fielding arrived on Brick Lane's Vibe bar stage almost an hour late – he was said to have been wondering around in a mood back stage before this – but definitely seemed to give it his all onstage.  Dressed in what looked like a nutty professor's outfit (rather than a doctor) complete with white wig and coat, with some unusual black panda eye make up, Fielding did his usual run-around type antics; jumping on the speakers and into the crowd, kissing the punters and drawing strange creations on a white board.  He was joined on stage by Dave Brown - aka The Pencil - dressed in a pretty impressive custom made pencil outfit - complete with sharpened lead end! - who spun the decks around him.  They did play some good ol' rock numbers - including Iggy Pop's 'Lust For Life' and Jet's 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl' - but it really wasn't enough for a headlining slot at a music festival.  Even if it was for a good cause.

This Rivmixx reporter definitely got 'swaylaid' by the prospect of a new Noel Fielding comical/musical show – enough to nearly miss DVS anyway – as did many other curious punters.  But the creative Fielding should just stick to what he's good at – and that doesn't include music.  Just check this video clip of the same new comical duo doing what they do best – there's just no music necessary.  Is there?!

On another comical note, on another stage, in another venue was Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobious Pip – a truly talented comical/musical duo.  Dressed in their own cool clothes and accompanied by a mic and 'Le Sac's beat-making machinery the pair needed no props for their presentation.  They drew attention through the words they spoke, the beats they made and their dry, understated delivery.  Reading from the Macmillan promotional screens behind them, Pip retorted with; “we do not support families”, “we do not fund nurses”, “we do not fight inequality” and “we are not associated with Macmillan” - they do not need silly comical props either - before launching into their classic 'Thou Shalt Always Kill' number, among others.  Brilliant.

Amongst the other acts performing during the Macmillan Brick Lane Takeover that day were Filthy Dukes, Jersey Budd, MPHO and Sam Isaac. 

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