Superorganism: Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds — Review
Are Superorganism the perfect response to digital overconsumption or just a lowly Wiggles tribute on acid? Will Matlock headed to Leeds to try and pin this band down.
Let’s cut the crap. Here we have a band championed by journos and teenagers alike, straddling the fence between the esoteric and pop culture. Though at first listen their work may appear ephemeral, it sits firmly in the pocket of the past decade, regurgitating nu-rave through increasingly kaleidoscopic lenses. Most of their songs find a balance between terse vocals and a smattering of samples, and if that’s your thing, then you’ll love the feverishly rehashed arrangement on their debut album.
Playing at the Belgrave, a venue famed for hosting left field artists, the band emerge to fervent strobe lights and projected visuals. The small stage is quickly packed, with the three self-proclaimed backing dancers taking to the centre. Lead vocalist OJ arrives last, shouting into her mic. As the youngest member of the band at 18, she holds the crowd in her palm as they laud her nonsensical shrieks.
The band rattle through a majority of their debut record, stopping intermittently to marvel at the hallucinatory projections behind them and scream at the audience a bit more. I was half expecting something a little ill-conceived but they demonstrated some solid stagecraft, remaining steadfast throughout their fifty minute set. At times it felt contrived but it was always delivered with enough confidence to at least appear innovative to the beer soaked crowd.
As the set draws to a close, everyone in the audience bares a wide grin on their face, all fostering the same bubblegum high as the band. Flash in the pan or not, Superorganism have achieved all they want tonight: reaching their hands through the void and pulling in anyone daring enough to join.
Article: Will Matlock
Editor: Alex West
