Statistically speaking, you're far more likely to have heard of The Bays than you are to have actually heard any of their music.
You see, The Bays are a band unlike any other. They don't write or release albums or singles - they're strictly a live project, and everything they do is improvised. Not having any actual 'songs' to perform eliminates the need for rehearsals, and they never have a setlist. A Bays concert is always a one-off. Theirs is a music that exists in the moment it was created.
If all this sounds dreadfully art school then think again. The Bays' music manifesto might conjure up unpleasant images of ghastly ego-driven freeform jazz, but nothing could be further from the truth.
"People expect improvised music to incorporate hours of noodly solos," says Simon Richmond, The Bays' resident effects-meister. "We're not interested in that at all."
The Bays' approach to improvisation is rooted in the groove and repetition of dance music. Simon admits to feeling more of an affinity with Richie Hawtin's legendary decks, FX and laptop shows than other improv bands, and their performances have been likened to DJ sets, dictated as much by the audience as by the band themselves.
"We've played really ambient gigs before, says Simon. "But if we find a venue packed with people going off their nut we might end up playing slamming house and drum 'n' bass. Thing is, we never know what we're going to do till we get there.
Simon, who has released solo albums on Mo' Wax under the name Palmskin Productions, is responsible for the effects-driven elements of The Bays' sound. Using old synths and electronic toys he produces spacey, dub-influenced sounds, and also triggers vocal samples in key and on time via a laptop.
Simon is joined on stage by Jamie Odell (AKA Jimpster) on synthesisers and keyboards, Andy Gangadeen on drums and Chris Taylor on bass.
"To call Chris a bass player isn't entirely accurate," Simon says. "Because he uses so many FX pedals, it rarely sounds like a bass guitar at all."
The foursome will be joined on stage at the Dome by two very special guests - US experimental guitarist David Torn, and Simon's childhood hero, keyboardist Richard Barieri.
"Richard's work with Japan was one of the main reasons I got into synths as a kid, says Simon. "He's guested with us a few times before and he's really sympathetic to what we do."
While there's no doubt that Sunday's gig will be unique, it's anyone's guess as to what the show will actually sound like.
"If you turn up and stare at the floor we'll probably play something introspective and downbeat, says Simon. "If you jump about we'll adapt accordingly. I think that's something pretty special. It's not often told can come to a gig and direct the music."
Also performing will be Burnt Sugar, a multiracial troupe of 12 musical non-conformists from New York.
To hear previous Bays shows log on to www.thebays.com.
Starts 8pm, tickets cost £14. Call 01273 709709.
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