Off the back of the release of superb Alt-rock album Divine Machines, another release that fell victim to the delays brought about by Covid-19, Demob Happy are back on the road. They brought their fuzzy synths and rockstar energy to Nottingham’s Bodega, perfectly demonstrating that the rock veterans have still got a magic touch. Izzy Morris reviews.
The long-haired Geordies took to the stage accompanied by a warning sign. Droning, sci-fi-esque synths welcomed Nottingham’s rock fans into their cinematic world, characterized by fuzzy guitars, 70s rock call backs and driving hooks. Opening with Voodoo Science, their laboratory opened for business, with the help of a strikingly well equipped collection of pedals and other gadgets - even as someone who can play an instrument and as someone who is heavily involved with student radio and audio production, I couldn’t tell you what half of their toys do.
But who cares what I know - this is a band that know who the hell they are and what the hell they’re doing. Every track sounded flawless. I think there was only one point where I saw through their set and saw a slip-up, and frontman Matthew gave the band a cheeky knowing look, laughed and continued. These guys are professionals, and they’re here with a mission.
Matthew encouraged the audience, in between tracks, to leave their stresses at the door and enjoy a night of headbanging and dancing. They made it very easy to do so, and were gracious that we’d headed down to enjoy the evening with them.
For a number of their songs, two backing singers joined them, cheekily dubbed 'Shemob Happy'. Their harmonies and their synchronized dance moves added a delicious flavour to the set, as well as a sense of whimsy, as it was so very clear that they were having the time of their lives on stage with the band. It’s nice when you get to see that sweet spot between being cohesive and being human, and I think Demob Happy have got that in the bag.
Just as their accompanying singers worked together in a perfect marriage, the combined power of Matthew’s bass with guitarist Adam Godfrey’s riffs was absolutely stunning. The strings weaved together perfectly to drive forward the audience and truly bring the funk. Drummer Tom Armstrong also regularly took to the mic to engage with the crowd and will them on as they danced the night away.
It’s so clear that this is a band that looks to the past for their inspirations. Their work is very clearly grounded in the works of rock and roll legends from the 60s and 70s, while embracing modern technology and cinema. This sets them apart from contemporary rock artists, as it’s clear what they’re aiming for is spectacle with substance and not just trying to make whatever will build the biggest mosh pit. In fact, there wasn’t really a mosh pit all night - it wasn’t really the scene for it. There’s a maturity to Demob Happy, but it’s a maturity that still knows how to get down. Tracks like Token Appreciation Society and Super-Fluid still got everybody moving, including my boyfriend who was more or less just along for the vibe and hadn’t encountered the band before.
'Their work is very clearly grounded in the works of rock and roll legends from the 60s and 70s, while embracing modern technology and cinema. This sets them apart from contemporary rock artists, as it’s clear what they’re aiming for is spectacle with substance...'
This tour has also allowed them to showcase their new track, fresh from the start of the tour, Sweet and Sour America, a track about the duality of the United States with their political difficulties, dreams of freedom and their social civil war. Having released it before tour so they could play it live, the song makes a great addition to their back catalogue, and was greeted with just as much enthusiasm as some of their lesser known works.
Demob Happy should not be playing Bodega. They should be at Rescue Rooms or Rock City. While they brought anthemic rock to the black box, best kept secrets venue we all know and love, they’d be much better suited to larger crowds and larger love. I hope to see them bounce back even further after the pandemic and begin to fill those larger rooms. Everyone deserves the chance to get Demob Happy.
Izzy Morris
Edited by Tabitha Smith
Featured Image courtesy of Demob Happy via Facebook
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