Ben Walsh is the Circuit Breaker- an absolutely inspiring character totally
dedicated to his art form. Ben takes intense drumming to another level, incorporating the various technologies he has encountered over his lifetime with his own unique style and energy of rythmic percussion.

In contrast to various other percussion acts I’ve seen over many years of
Adelaide’s Fringe Festival, Ben has crafted his show into more than just a musical act. An interesting spin on the ongoing rivalry between man and machine becomes evident in his play on the human drummer versus a variety of computer generated beats.

I enjoyed this shows entertaining way of telling a relevant story illustrated by stunning displays of talent. Not just restricting himself to playing his collection of unusual home-made drums, Ben extended himself on guitar, flute, an obscure looking instrument he called a ‘Japanese omnichord’, (later explained to be an electronic attempt at immitating a harp) and ‘The Beast’ – his own elaborate contraption consisting of a mini stage drum kit with a twist. Several of the drum pads triggered a sampler which resulted in an awesome combination of percussion mixed with sampled guitars, all played perfectly in time to reveal some well known classics from the likes of AC/DC and many more.

Ben’s unique sense of humour was welcome throughout the show in its many guises. Donning his 80’s rock band long hair wig he accurately reproduced the sounds of an entire band concurrently, demonstrating the asset some of his rival technologies can be when used in a live performance. With an appropriate finale aptly titled ‘The Homage to Drums’, Ben took the crowd through an entire history of famous drummers and their vastly different styles of drumming from around the world. In a furious display of skill he played along to the various styles with incredible raw energy. With its Fringe season in its last days, don’t fret (or be surprised) if you can’t get a ticket. Ben Walsh is a regular Fringe performer and will no doubt be back here soon with another mind blowing solo show, or better still with his four piece breakbeat supergroup The Bird!

Click here for dollop’s photos from the March 2nd show…