Birmingham’s Dead Happy are not so much a band who write songs, but more a collective of mad scientists creating a strange type of electro metal. Irreverent, surreal and (most importantly) armed with a batch of great songs, they hit the ground running and deliver some of the sickest riffs known to man whilst colouring them with electronic flourishes and robotic vocals. They radiate an effervescence which is highly contagious, and it doesn’t take the crowd long to warm to their spirited performance. It’s a full-on, take-no-prisoners affair and such is the energy expended that the band gradually disrobe (!) as the set progresses. ‘My Sex Appeal’ hits all the right notes (and all the sweet spots) and ensures that the band won’t be forgotten in a hurry. Dead Happy don’t take themselves too seriously, but you definitely should.
In musical terms Japan is probably best know for its glaringly bright idol scene, yet as Tokyo based duo Psydoll prove, it also has a darker side. Although the band are often pigeonholed as cyberpunks, in truth they are far greater in scope and create their aesthetic from gothic and darkwave genres, along with a dash of anime for contrast. Imagine Siouxsie Sioux fronting synth-punks Suicide, then filtered through a Japanese lens and you’d have something approaching the Psydoll experience. Tonight is the first night of their Aurora Explosion tour, and despite suffering some serious jet lag the band are right on point and by the time we reach second song ‘Branko (Swings)’ they are firmly in the groove. Attired all in black, and with guitarist Ucchi hidden behind a strange mask, the band conjure a disconcerting image, and with an equally disorientating sound, cast their black magic over the venue. As vocalist Nekoi dances around the stage like a mischievous imp and Ucchi pulls devilish sounds from his guitar, it’s noteworthy that the band become far heavier in the live environment with songs such as ‘My Birthday’ taking on a (more) sinister air. Visually and sonically striking, a Psydoll show is not for the faint-hearted but those present know they’ve seen a precious something.
Review and Photos by Peter Dennis