teenagersintokyo were pretty much just a bunch of teenagersincanberra on Saturday night. The teenagersintokyo show was expected to be a big one and considering all the hype of the teenagers returning to play, it was. A fine crowd was present at Canberra’s Transit Bar to see one of teenagersintokyo’s last performances before they lock themselves away to record their debut album.
Many punters may have come to see Sydney’s famous Purple Sneaker DJ’s as well as locals Hancock Basement but unfortunately they were both canned last minute (despite being advertised as supporting acts).
According to teenagersintokyo’s vocalist Samantha Lim, they had no idea that the two said bands were to be playing alongside them. To FasterLouder she said, “We were told we were to choose our own support acts so we asked our friends to play and it had been planned for months.”
Supporting the teenagers were their pals from Sydney, Allies. After a long wait which the band had apologised for, Allies took to the stage. Their music may have reminded one of American punk rockers TSOL (clearly minus the necrophilia obsession). What the two both seemed to share was that angsty sort of feel in their music. The lyrics and combination of guitaring, keys, beats and bass was chilling, however the audience didn’t seem to object and quite loved them. The set ended surprisingly short with Allies leaving the crowd to chill out to the sound of beers, cheers and a ticking watch.
After an anticipated wait (a long hour,) at an eerie ten to 12 – teenagersintokyo finally took the stage. The audience were energised mainly sourced by beer, spirits and fan boy/girl excitement.
As the 5 members took their place it was as if the crowd just moved in and grew larger. A space on the floor was instantly filled by someone wanting to get closer. On stage the group did really resemble a bunch of Harajuku-like teens all the way from Japan. However when they hit the stage they shone through more as talented musicians. Their opener was climatic.
Sam despite her tiny-ness, WOWED the crowd just by moving all over the stage as well as giving that microphone some well loved attention. But the rest of the band should be taken note of too: Linda Marigliano dominated most of the set with her bass driving the music. Miska Mandic on keys and Sophie McGinn on guitar looked as if they could have been a bit louder (with Miska constantly trying to get the attention of soundie to turn it up a notch). Either way these two played fantastically. Rudy Udovich on drums (as well as being the band’s token male) smoothed the night out with hard heavy beats which suited the music which was being presented.
Over the night teenagersintokyo showcased many of their songs such as Robocat, Black Bones, End It Tonight as well as the very popular Very Vampyr and many more.
One punters description was “bloody fantastic,” another rose their glass in the air singing out, “mind-blowing!” As if any of the audience would disagree with these two eccentric punters. However some might turn their heads and agree that the only disappointment of the night was the long waits between sets. During that time there could have easily have had enough time for a third band to play.
teenagersintokyo should return sometime after the release of their debut album – it will no doubt lead to yet another anticipated wait.
k-rad
said on the 17th Aug, 2008