Fresh off the back of the release of their latest single, Sancho Panza settled in for their headline show at Bodega. Bringing the groove alongside a stacked bill, there was ample entertainment for all involved. Alice Beard reviews
Setting the evening into shape, Wilf Spiv offered up a silky smooth concoction of dulcet, jazz-tinged tracks. As the first act of the evening there was no time wasted in bringing all the elements, with soulful vocals navigating deep cuts through brooding instrumentation. Such levels of tenderness became embedded beneath oozing basslines and swelling sax textures, proving more than adequate for a warmup.
Sex Toy Vending Machine followed shortly after, and to nobody’s surprise they set out to deliver. Combining elements of late eighties/ early nineties slacker rock alongside shoegazey sensibilities, they offered up a sound which left me needing a tour of their pedal boards. Track upon track bled abrasion, yet still remained pinned down by a melodic centrepiece. The four- piece struck a perfect equilibrium within their sound, bringing new warmth to an already glowing evening.
Before long, the time for Sancho Panza to grace the stage was nearly upon us. Not quite yet though, as all was incomplete until Will Mayze stepped in with a short but sweet dose of comedy. The night really had it all. It’s safe to say by this point Bodega was suitably switched on for the main event. Time to get down.
It was all systems go as the band kicked straight off into Sheikhdown, setting the evening well and truly in motion. With each jagged guitar stroke of this caustic piece fuelling their signature groove, things were already heating up to be a very promising affair. The set outlined all the best tracks from their back- catalogue, the likes of the infectious Sell It offering up a glimmering display in artistry. Meanwhile, their newest single Bremerhaven (I Got Loose) proved to be equally as inviting live as it is on record.
Their sound balances melody and charisma, rhythm and tone. The performance of every track was clear in its intention. Each effortless bass hook proved irresistible, conspiring with the drums to lull the listener into a false sense of security before they could be swiftly swept away by a charge of sharp, biting guitar riffs. The display was merciless.
"The peaks and troughs of the set were in perfect harmony with each other"
Sancho Panza managed to reach a delicate balance within their set. Nothing was done in half measures, yet equally the waves never felt overcrowded. They know exactly when to sit back and let the rest take over. Rearrange The Diamonds, for example, is a charming and woozy piece. Its saccharine seductiveness left more than enough breathing room, allowing a transient daze to fill the room. The peaks and troughs of the set were in perfect harmony with each other, assembling a finely crafted gift which the band were able to confidently hold out before the audience.
Bringing the tempo up one last time as means of a fond farewell came Your Place or Mine? It’s a short track yes, but it catches like no other. Serving up a fresh dose of fun, it really was a feast for all. It's got groove, it's got funk and most importantly, it's got those oh so smooth vocals. Summoning up a joyous reception, this undisputed floor stomper left not a single still body in the room. You truly couldn’t fault it.
From start to finish, the entire set felt immaculately polished. This was a masterclass, demonstrating raw and admirable musical cohesion at every stage. I really didn’t expect any less.
Alice Beard
Edited by Alice Beard
In- article images courtesy of Ted Culley, cover image courtesy of Sancho Panza on Instagram, video courtesy of Sancho Panza on Youtube
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