Still on an electronic high after AUSTRA and CRYSTAL CASTLES, we were geared up for the excellent Manchester electro band DELPHIC at London’s Electrowerkz. Mostly playing it quiet over the past year, the band have been busy making preparations for their much-anticipated second album release “Collections.” One of my favourite bands recorded, we were excited to see them live and hear some of their new tracks.
Electric dreams continued with the arrival of Toronto band DRAGONETTE and lead singer Martina Sorbara at London’s Cargo. The fiery Sorbara lit up the venue, reminding us all that Toronto has been producing some of the best electro bands in the world and that Sorbara is one of the most versatile singers out there.
MOLOTOV JUKEBOX were doing a tour of the UK and we were delighted to see them at Manchester Club Academy. I had heard only good things about the band from the London team so I was really excited to see them perform live and I was far from disappointed. Warming up the winter crowds, they left us sweaty and wanting more at the end of their blistering set. The lineup was brilliant, featuring emerging London band NIMMO & THE GAUNTLETTS, and the backstage atmosphere was great fun. This was a warm and fuzzy end to a busy year for our Manchester team.
Mixed reviews of the live version of London electro band THE XX meant that we absolutely had to see them live, not once but twice at Brixton Academy and Brighton Centre. We were well aware that the ethereal tracks may be a challenge to perform live with verve. Although some may feel that their music is best listened to recorded, we found that the admittedly shy duo Romy and Oliver are fantastically synchronized, and together with Jamie, their beautifully composed music projects brilliantly live.
— SHATTERJAPAN thanks all the bands and artists we have seen in 2012 —