At The Electric Ballroom

Combichrist is the brainchild of Norweigan singer and EBM producer Andy LaPlegua. I’ve been a fan since the first hook I heard and after catching them on their last tour was happy to see them again. Joined by a full band their brand of aggressive dance music does not disappoint.

Second on the bill were Surgyn. Taking inspiration from vanity and pharmacology they are the Bioshock EBM band. They had a solid sound and a definite stage image but lacked a certain edge. Despite both members playing keyboards and singing there were moments where they risked playing DJ. There was potential for theatrics to match their melodrama, but the band failed to make the stage their own.

Relatively new to the scene, part of me wants to keep an eye on them. Give them a chance to gather scars and experience. I see potential if the band develops as they mature.

Third act was Jayce Lewis from South Wales. Mixing industrial with a strong synth element it was a little hard to tell what their sound was meant to be. Simple, but interesting, drums mixed with a percussive guitar and the occasional layers of percussion by the singer created the foundation of their sound. With the sound of the keyboards and the bass above and below they had all bases covered.

They did have a definite rock band feel, but at times it seemed as if the singer was trying a little too hard and that their electronic core was being drowned out.

Its good to see a live band evolve and Combichrist have returned with more kit than ever. Three drummers, two of which switch between drums and synths and a guitarist join front-man Andy LaPlegua. Despite all the extra instrumentation the band remains faithful to their albums, but with the layers of percussion adding another dimension to the sound.

Opening with just one accompanist Andy and the pre-records conducted the crowd into movement. As the show progressed the other musicians joined them, each bringing their own energy with them. Despite a mostly predictable set list it still felt fresh. A good mix of new and old material was played and there was a phenomenal amount of energy projected by the band. Touring off album allowed the freedom for more older material, particularly from What The Fuck Is Wrong With You.

The band dynamic was fantastic. The drummer was very stylistic and impressive. He bantered during the encores, kept throwing his kit around and was literally carried from the stage, still trying to drum at the end of the show. The guitarist was a little showy and the synthesists played with quiet intensity by comparison. All the while Andy was yelling and working the crowd.

After two encores we knew our shouts of ‘more’ were going to be unanswered, except for the sardonic rendition of Sinatra’s My Way playing into the dispersing crowd as we left elated.