Simian Mobile Disco - Koko, London (12/02/2009)

The Shockwaves NME Awards Tour rarely disappoints, and tonight on the fourth evening of the tour Simian Mobile Disco more than lived up to any expectations.

First up in the support slot were the eccentric Chrome Hoof - a death metal/electro experimental orchestra. This band have to be seen to be believed - it’s like nothing you’ve ever witnessed before, and probably like nothing you’ll ever see again.

The ten-piece group took to the stage in silver space-monk robes and played out their psychedelic mix of music with all the prowess of a headline act. As if their stage appearance and off-beat genre stylistics weren’t strange enough already, halfway through the set a ten foot metallic ram-like robot took to the stage. Very weird, but very engaging.

On to the headline line act, and SMD certainly don’t travel light. Their stage set-up literally looked like they had bought along every single amplifier, monitor, mixer and synth that they own. These were positioned centre stage with what can only be described as a huge cage of fluorescent lights surrounding them.

The duo spent the whole of the set running around this central music-making point, flicking switches and pushing buttons. Constantly on the move, darting around and exchanging places, it looked highly disorganised. Yet somehow they managed to produce some of the finest electro you’ve ever heard. And boy did the crowd lap it up. From new tracks such as ‘Synthesise’, to old gems ‘Hustler’ and ‘It’s The Beat’, there was absolute carnage on the dance floor.

The momentum was taken down a notch when they played the more down-beat ‘I Believe’, but in no bad way. With the lights turning a pale shade of blue, casting a chilled-out glow across the old theatre it was a much appreciated moment of near-tranquility before the madness resumed.

Their remix of the Klaxons' ‘Magick’ led perfectly into the dirty electro hit ‘Hustler’. Each of the songs blended seamlessly into the next and as the set progressed it became clear that these guys were not just pushing buttons but actually performing a well-crafted act.

Simian Mobile Disco have an innate ability to totally suck you into their musical mayhem. By the end of the set as they prolonged the pulsating ‘System’ it had all become a bit of a blur, but one thing was for sure: they know the power of music, and most importantly they understand the live experience. And what an experience that was.

Rating: 5/5

Send this page to a friend | Gig ticket

Ticket listing and gig dates

BUY THIS MUSIC RELEASE


Artist: Simian Mobile Disco Title: Attack Decay.. Released: 11/09/2007 Buy Now \| View Details	Artist: Simian Mobile Disco Title: Attack Decay.. Released: 18/09/2007 Buy Now \| View Details

RELATED CONTENT ON THE DAILY MUSIC GUIDE

20/08/2009
Reviews

Simian Mobile Disco - Temporary Pleasure (Wichita)
After extensive touring, networking and remixing Simian Mobile Disco arrive with a new studio album, but does it stick or stray from their roots?

27/05/2009
Music News

Simian Mobile Disco announce UK tour dates
A huge UK tour will promote upcoming album Temporary Pleasure.

06/05/2009
Music News

Simian Mobile Disco prepare new LP release
James Ford and James Anthony Shaw will return in August.

16/02/2009
Reviews

Simian Mobile Disco - Koko, London (12/02/2009)
The electro extraordinaires blow the roof off old Camden Palace at their first headline show since August 2008.

03/09/2010
Weblink

Simian Mobile Disco's official website
http://www.simianmobiledisco.co.uk

03/09/2010
Weblink

Simian Mobile Disco on MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/simianmobiledisco

03/09/2010
Weblink

Chrome Hoof on MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/chromehoof

YOUR COMMENTS

Let everyone know what you think by leaving your comments. Please read our terms and conditions before posting.

Your Name

Location

Comments

STORY DETAILS

Published: 16/02/2009 at 20:47
Author: Emily Sergent
Links: Permanent Link

Articles

CITYBREAK SPONSORS