Upbeat Spanish electro-rockers DELOREAN were up next at HOSTESS CLUB WEEKENDER, the Barcelona-based foursome really stepping up the vibe and energy levels in the expansive Yebisu Garden Hall on Saturday afternoon. Their performance was a playful one, opening with Seasun from their 2009 EP Ayrton Senna, progressing into a set full of hopeful and inspiring melodies with an ‘80s twist. Their live act really demonstrates the correct way to integrate electro music with an interesting and engaging live performance, something many electro artists fail to do. The group are no strangers to Tokyo, having toured here several times before and writing a track called Shibuya Crossing found on their album Into the Plateau.
Initially formed in 2000 by lead Ekhi Lopetegi, guitarist Tomas Palomo (replaced by Guillerma Astrain in 2007), Unai Lazcano on keys and Igor Escudeo on drums, Delorean have produced an impressive arsenal of music, boasting four albums and two EPs and extensively touring around the world. The group are currently touring in promotion of their latest album Apar which was released in September this year, and has received generally positive reviews online, as well as being noted for featuring Chairlift’s Caroline Polachek providing guest vocals.
Just weeks before their set in Tokyo, the group fell victim to a widely reported “virtual kidnapping” in Mexico, where they were deceived by criminals into moving hotels, had their mobile phones confiscated, with which the criminals contacted the bands’ family members in an attempt to extort money from them. As a result they were forced to cancel a few dates in the US, but thankfully they recovered and continued on their extensive world tour.