BABYMETAL are the kind of band who inspire a rabid fandom in their followers, and a queue starts to form outside the venue in the early afternoon with the hope of securing a prime position in front of the stage. This means that VUKOVI have the luxury of playing to a full house, there’s no slackers pitching up late, and to be honest they have a sound that should be heard by as many people as possible. They deliver a solid set with vocalist Janine Shilstone, green gloves sparkling and animating every move, being particularly spirited. Like most trios who play a rowdy brand of punk, they sound far bigger than their individual parts and the guitar and drums combine to create a hefty punch (who needs a bassist?). A 30-minute set is all too short, but VUKOVI get their message across and pack in plenty of rock action. The years of hard graft are starting to pay off, and VUKOVI look more than ready to step up to the biggest stages.
Like many venues in old London Town, The Roundhouse simply drips atmosphere. An old engine shed where trains were rotated (hence the name), its high ceiling and concave shape make for a great sound, and it makes the perfect frame for tonight’s headliners. You can almost feel the excitement and anticipation crackling in the air, and it is only heightened by a Star Wars type introduction that takes things to impossible levels. It causes some to become hysterical, whilst grown men transform into teenyboppers and get weak-kneed when BABYMETAL finally march onto the stage. It feels as if the tension has been released, a dam has burst, and what flows is good vibes and powerful energy. ‘BABYMETAL DEATH’ is the opening gambit and the movements the band perform are mirrored by the crowd, and creates a bond between artist and audience I’ve rarely experienced in 35 years of gig going and if anyone isn’t partying, I suggest you check their pulse.
There’s something so very life-affirming about a BABYMETAL concert; whatever troubles follow you outside, stay outside, as the band’s smiles become infectious and the dance moves hypnotic. Tonight’s set stops along all points of their discography, but such is its depth someone is always going to be disappointed (my personal bugbear is the omission of ‘DA DA DANCE’), but when there’s ‘Distortion’ and ‘MAYA’ we can’t complain at all. An often overlooked aspect of the BABYMETAL show is their backing band (KAMI) who add an organic feel to proceedings, and they all get to take a brief solo before BABYMETAL return for an excitable rendition of ‘METALI!!’. Those in front of the stage are packed in pretty tight, yet there’s still room for mosh and circle pits, whilst those on the periphery take the opportunity to indulge in some crazy dancing. By the time we get the penultimate ‘Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!’ the band look visibly drained after 65-minutes of hardcore singing and dancing, yet they find energy for a rousing ‘Road Of Resistance’ which ensures this gig will live in the memory for a long time.
BABYMETAL Set List:
- BABYMETAL DEATH
- Gimme Chocolate!!
- PA PA YA!!
- Distortion
- BxMxC
- MAYA
- Brand New Day
- Monochrome
- METALI!!
- Megitsune
- Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!
- Road Of Resistance
