The Bohman Brothers

To describe The Bohman Brothers as a musical performance band would be somewhat of an overstatement, depending on ones understanding of ‘music’ because if it is music you’re after (in the traditional meaning of the word), then the Bohman’s might not be the first place to start…

Brothers Jonathan and Adam Bohman, a London-based duo, have been recording since they were teenagers and have been playing live since the early 1980’s. However, what these two veterans of experimental- and avant-garde music have to offer has little to do with what is generally considered to be a harmonious sound. Indeed, are either Jonathan or Adam actually accomplished musicians? The answer is quite simply that in their case, it is entirely irrelevant. That is to say, it takes a certain frame of mind to understand or appreciate what they are doing. With the Bohman Brothers, it’s a bit like Marmite: there is no middle ground – you will either love or hate what they are doing and if you belong to the former tribe, then you will succeed in entering their world or have at least some understanding of it. Strange to say there are still a great many lovers of classical music out there who fail to grasp the comparative complexities of say Webern, Ligeti or Varese.

If (and it's a big IF) you are prepared to release yourself from your pre-conceived conceptions, you may well be in for a big treat - especially if you are bored with what you've had shoved down your throat for eons. Fortunately, the audience at Edinburgh's Fruitmarket Gallery appeared to be on the same wavelength when the Bohman’s graced this arty venue with their presence as part of an evening filled with Dadaistic-style performances, of which the duo topped of the bill. Very few Bohman gigs are the same and this time we had a tribute (of sorts) to that damned household pest otherwise known as the dreaded woodlice. Yes, really! Jonathan and Adam have always rebounded off each other remarkably well and as they are very different from each other (even though they really are brothers) this makes their unique performances even more amusing.

Jonathan made us only too aware early on when, on this occasion, he approached Adam and as it turned out a 'fake' third brother seemingly talking in tongues. The 'fake' brother (from West Linton?), who appeared slightly more lucid, explained that their lives had been ruined by these pesky parasites, before making a hasty exit. It was then all aboard for a Bohman Brothers skylark. Quite what we witnessed for the next 40-minutes literally beggared belief, as the Bohmans always perform with a vast (and I mean vast) multitude of objects - most of which are utilised over the course of action at one time or other. By the way, when I say objects, I mean things stuff like household utensils, DIY tools, the occasional proper instrument and other surprises (see photo). Jonathan showed the amused audience the book he had acquired on woodlice. Was this exercise an approval of these pesky creatures or a condemnation? Was it actually important either way?

Jonathan gives off the vibe of the kindly senior art lecturer who might even be the head teacher (it’s hard to dislike him) whereas Adam may well be the eccentric science master gabbling away intermittently facts relating to the subject matter… or is it? Their timing is always spot on and is invariably beautifully rounded out. Expand your mind and forget about ABBA tribute evenings or similar fare… and check out the Bohmans. Once seen - never forgotten!