Electric Callboy/Annisokay
Rock City, Nottingham, 21/11/2022
The highly anticipated, sold out rescheduled Electric Callboy gig with support from Annisokay finally reached Rock City much to the delight of their adoring fans. Having to previously cancel due to ill health it’s great to see the guys back doing what they do best. Despite the gig landing on a school night both bands, hailing from Germany, brought the party to Nottingham. Annisokay took to the stage blasting their post-hardcore/metalcore anthems straight from the outset and had the audience in the palm of their hands. They offer a more serious theme to what is to come later but their high energy performance complimented the lineup well. At one point they surprised us with their own rendition of Slipknot’s ‘Duality’. The crowd roared the lyrics back to the stage with such force that vocalist Rudi Schwarzer took a pause to let them rip. Mixing clean and screamo vocals with melodic moments laced with blistering breakdowns they were an excellent choice for opening the show.
Before we could catch our breath Electric Callboy graced the stage donning their iconic shell suits and mullet wigs. Many of their fans dressing the same for the occasion absolutely lose it when they open with their hit ‘Pump It’. Confetti burst from the stage as the lights flashed giving an old-school rave vibe. To some people, their electronic, heavy metal sound with the 80s get-up may seem an unusual mix but they have quite clearly captured the hearts of those in attendance with their unique style. Although the band’s songs and lyrics are tongue-in-cheek, full of fun and silliness, they are experts at their craft. As with the band before, the mix of vocal styles offers different elements to their music allowing the fans to sing along with ease. Electric Callboy has appeared to have taken the scene by storm and we can only envision the possibilities of what is to come. Each track is recognisable and catchy and already feel like classics. They continue with hits including ‘Arrow of love’ ‘Tekno Train’ ‘Hypa Hypa’ and ‘Spaceman’. The set is packed with nonstop bangers; the whole evening feeling like a workout with the audience not letting up. It is rare to attend a concert that has nothing but songs you can jump and dance to throughout. The show was wrapped up with ‘We Got The Moves’ and another costume change. The theatrics were spectacular with lights exploding from the stage and streamers flying through the air. Everyone went wild and the lyrics ‘Dop-dododo-dop’ erupting from the crowd was deafening but incredible to witness. You can’t fault a single moment of this performance. It is not surprising the tour was a sell-out and we can expect them to either move to larger venues in the future.
Review by Aggy Gillon
Photos by Andrew Boddington