I don’t know what I was expecting from a band called WACO, it certainly wasn’t kick as rock ‘n’ roll but that’s precisely what this London-based bunch serve up. They’ve been making the world a better place for a decade with their off-kilter songs and irreverent lyricism, and tonight is no exception. This is their first gig of the year, yet they’re showing no signs of rust as they deliver a full-on, feisty set that’s is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Stage raps are kept to a bare minimum and this results in a punchy, pugnacious affair that’s punctuated by songs such as ‘Barry Gibb Was My Landlord’ (true story, apparently). Songs about physiotherapy and denim make for a surreal experience, but a nice one nonetheless, and I’m sure WACO have made more than a few friends tonight.
Formed in Tokyo in 1994, and powered by a relentless energy, Electric Eel Shock make a welcome return to London for the first time in five years. That’s been far too long a gap without witnessing their unique brand of lunacy and such is the anticipation for this show that it sold out in double quick time. So, there’s a certain tension crackling the air as we await the band, and it’s only heightened when Black Sabbath’s ‘Iron Man’ comes stomping across the venue by way of an introduction tape. It gets then crowd in the right mood and judging by the excitement it generates, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Birmingham’s finest were waiting in the wings. However, when Electric Eel Shock appear and launch into opening salvo ‘Suicide Rock & Roll’ it’s the cue for all hell to break lose as fists pump the air and pint glasses are held aloft in affirmation. There’s a life-affirming nature to the band’s modus operandi that’s very addictive; it radiates from the stage in waves of effervescence, and once it hits you, it’s impossible to stand still and all but the elderly and infirm get swept up in their sheer joie de vivre.
Electric Eel Shock have become renowned for their energetic live show and they’ve set themselves an impossible standard to obtain. When you consider they expend this much effort every night…well, whoever said rock ‘n’ roll was an easy option never saw Electric Eel Shock in the flesh. It’s a lofty peak to reach every night, yet it’s a level this tenacious Tokyo trio aim for, and they rarely miss the bullseye. Of course, it helps that they have a discography full of rock bangers and they hit us with the one-two punch of ‘Nice Guy Of The Year’ and ‘My Favorite No.9’. They’ve a sound that’s tough and mean (but laden with soul and groove) and they tease the crowd with a few bars of Van Halen’s ‘Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love’ and the Gunners’ ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’, and it’s to their credit that their own ‘Lost In Sweden’ and ‘Metal Man’ don’t seem out of place amongst those classic riffs. Never ones to short change their fans, Electric Eel Shock return for a well-earned encore and ensure that no one leaves disappointed.
