POLYSICS + THE TELEPHONES – THE UNDERWORLD – LONDON – 25/09/2013 – REVIEW
The last time POLYSICS paid England a visit was 5 years ago, and fans have been waiting with baited breath to see if they would ever come back. After losing keyboardist, Kayo, and going on an indefinite hiatus, it seemed as though the band would never come back. Just as we were about to lose all hope, POLYSICS announced a brand new tour, and this time brought along with them disco crazed indie rock nutters, the telephones.
The Underworld seemed pretty empty during the set of the first band, English experimental rock instrumentalists, Alright the Captain. The band got the small crowd head bopping, but not much more, and left me feeling a little confused, as their songs lacked structure, and just sounded a bit out of tune. However, this did make me all the more excited for the telephones!
the telephones are an indie rock band hailing from Saitama, and have been quickly gaining attention for their love (or is it hate?) of disco! They have a fair few albums and mini albums under their belt, with their 4th full album having been released in April this year. The band took to the stage in disco styled afro wigs, and sparkling outfits, and quickly began their set. Keyboardist, Nobuaki, really kept the energy up, constantly leaping around the stage, blowing kisses, giving the show some comedy, and that little extra bit of pizzazz! Lead singer, Akira, also remained lively throughout the set, often shouting out to the crowd, asking for audience participation, and even doing a few nifty guitar tricks. The only disappointment for me was the lack of the song D.E.N.W.A, but the set was strong enough for me to forgive them! The crowd lapped up the band’s enthusiasm, and were left wanting more disco!
Before POLYSICS even got to the stage, 80s classics filled the speakers, really adding to the mood of the crowd with everyone singing along to the likes of Duran Duran, Dead or Alive, and A-ha. POLYSICS eventually arrived on stage to their own intro, Heavy POLYSICK, from 2011 album ‘Oh! No! It’s Heavy Polysick!!!’ and bursting straight into Buggie Technica. The venue by this point was absolutely packed, and there was very little room for movement, but the crowd still somehow managed it, with everyone already going crazy! The energy was so high, so early on, and the band were relentless in playing favourite after favourite.
Hayashi stopped between songs for a little call and response (“TOISU!”) with the crowd following each and every action. Songs from new album ‘Weeeeeeeeee!!!’ such as single, Lucky Star, sent the crowd into a full on frenzy, and this being only a handful of songs in, Hayashi already looked as though he might have sweat out the entire ocean onto the stage.
POLYSICS continued on, including a brand new song named Mega Over Drive, that saw the crowd envelope one another as arms waved, bodies lunged forward toward the stage, and feet stamped and jumped. Shortly after this, the band picked up kazoos, and judging by the looks on the audience’s faces, they knew what was next- the hugely popular (and one of my personal favourites) I My Me Mine. The crowd sang along with the kazoos at the top of their lungs, and the venue became more sweaty than I could ever have imagined!
The band continued on with songs such as Rocket, Everybody Say No, and another personal favourite, Kaja Kaja Goo, which unbelievably sent the crowd even further into a crazed, hectic mass of bodies jumping and screaming along with Hayashi (even the setlist on stage added to “Go f***in crazy!” at this point!).
The last song of the night, before the encore, was Weeeeeeeeee!!!, by which point Hayashi looked as though he’d been for a swim in his drenched overalls, but was still giving it his all, encouraging the crowd to jump and dance along with him. As the song ended, and the band hadn’t even left the stage yet, the audience were already shouting for more, and more they got, as the band quickly returned to the stage for their encore! Let’s Dabadaba engaged the crowd further with a singalong, and the actual last song of the whole night, Electric Surfin’ Go Go, saw the crowd go perhaps that bit more mental for one last time, with Hayashi even getting into the chaotic crowd! I don’t think I have ever witnessed such a swirling crowd of bodies, quite so sweaty, and still quite so energetic, with people dancing right back to the bar. The band left in high spirits, and despite Hayashi possibly being severely dehydrated and losing half of his body weight in sweat, still thanked the crowd with a huge grin.
Clad in their trademark orange overalls, POLYSICS trooped through their set, never once stopping for more than a minute or so, and never letting the energy drop below anarchic punk show level! I can’t say I was expecting such a full on show, with crazed fans, and flailing limbs, but that’s what both the band and the crowd delivered, and it made for a brilliantly fun night, with grins spread across each and every person’s face.
The night got off to a slow start, but the telephones brought up the tempo, and made for perfect support for the almighty POLYSICS, leaving with a crowd full of new fans. POLYSICS however, were the stars of the night, and proved that they’ve still got it, despite being away for so many years. I look forward to their return, and hopefully this time, we won’t have to wait so long! TOISU!
Words and photos by Charles Shepherd