Coming on like a mongrel cross between Tap Dogs and Stomp, and relying heavily on the crime that is audience participation, Life Is Rhythm ought to be a nightmare.
That it emerges as a pretty serviceable feel-good experience is down to the sheer charisma of the six-strong Catalan crew of Camut (you say the t) Band.
Way better dancers than any Tap Dog and sharper percussionists than Stomp, Camut Band have been honing their rhythmic craft, built on intricate interplay between dance, voice and music, over the past eight years.
Keeping the props simple, they tap into the joy of movement with a macho aplomb that can't help but win you over.
When they cut the clown-like comedy and let their feet do the talking, there's no doubt these guys can dance, with loose-hipped Israeli import Sharon Lavi stealing the honours with a liquid-limbed display. But where Life Is Rhythm falters slightly is in its over-reliance on hamming it up that's patently designed to get the audience on side. There really isn't any need.
The experience might catch fire in a more intimate venue, where the crowd would be easier to warm up. It takes a full-on charm offensive from MC Toni Espanol to spark the clap-along sections into life - he does it, but boy is it hard work.
Still, it's not hard to see Life Is Rhythm cracking the global tour market, if they haven't missed the boot!
Camut Band: Life Is Rhythm
