On Wednesday, Fibbers was transformed into the scene of a summery celebration from party-mongers Molotov Jukebox. Joining them were the surreal theatrical act Oh My God! It’s The Church and local beatboxer Vox Cornelius.

By Graeme Smith

Photos by Marc McGarraghy – Yellow Mustang Photography

Getting things started was beatboxer and looper Vox Cornelius who, armed with an array of contraptions in front of him and his own voice, created layered original tracks. His signature sound was mellow vocals back by breakbeats, which continued throughout his set, with a varying tempo and a build-up of complexity.

Then things shifted up a gear with the arrival on stage of ironic evangelical preacher act Oh My God! It’s the Church. The snakeskin-boot-wearing charismatic front man The Right Reverend Michael Alabama Jackson was joined on stage by chaotic gospel singers The Hail Marys (all called Mary) and “bonfide retard” and talented organist Morgan the Organ. The characterisation was entertaining enough, but they sealed the deal with some spectacular disco and northern soul covers (with a couple of curveballs thrown in for good measure). As Jackson proclaimed: “party is the new praise” and it’s quite likely that everyone in the audience now love “sexy Jesus”.

With a nicely warmed-up audience, Molotov Jukebox wasted no time coming to the stage, looking like a set of deck-swabs who had just captured a mermaid in the form of Natalia Tena. Though their captivating singer and front woman has now made a name for herself through acting appearances in major film and TV shows, there was no sign of it going to her head. Molotov Jukebox certainly looked to be a collective of equally talented individuals.

They opened their set with Pineapple Girl and Tropical Badboy, transporting December in York to a summer paradise, and the audience wasted no time getting their moves on.

There was a big reaction to a cover of Huey Lewis and The News’ Power of Love and new track Just The Thrill (for which they were touring to promote). Then it was time to raid the back catalogue, including the rhythmic Tread Softly and mournful ballad Can’t Find You, both from 2014’s Carnival Flower.

Closing with slow-fast knees up Gypsy Funeral, Molotov Jukebox left the York crowd hungry for more. It was the band’s first visit to York, and we certainly hope it’s not the last.

Vox Cornelius, Oh My God! It’s The Church and Molotov Jukebox played at Fibbers on Wednesday 7 December 2016