Mad Capsule Markets

Half way through the Mad Capsule Markets' blistering set, lead vocalist Kyono whips out a piece of paper and reads off it something that sounds like "When you having lunch?" He gets a few scattered cheers in response and a lot of blank stares. He frowns checks his paper again and then smiles.

"Sorry," he yells, "I mean; are you having fun?" And the place erupts.

We are indeed having fun. In fact, the atmosphere inside this place is as giddy and hyped up as the dance-punk-metal assault blaring out of the speakers. We’ll all be deaf for days and we don’t give a shit! Every face I can see is awash with sweaty maniacal grins. The inmates have taken over the asylum tonight and it’s gorgeous!

There was a sign outside the venue instructing patrons not to crowd-surf. Either the owners were being optimistic or they didn't know very much about the band they'd booked. Mad Capsule Markets + No Crowd Surfing? Does not compute. The energy this outfit gives off could power the USA’s eastern seaboard. Every song starts an adrenal-boosted riot. The mosh-pit extends all the way back to the bar, for fuck’s sake.

For a band that relies so much on samples and CGSFX for their music’s visceral punch, the MCM clean up real nice live. The only deviation in quality is the volume level, otherwise everything is in place. 'Scary' and 'Sunny Beach Road' burn out of the speakers like out-of-control monster trucks loaded with sugar; the neck-snapping riff of 'Bit Crusher' and pogo-bounce-pound of 'Jam!' shake the building's foundations. Even though 'Tribe' has a beat and a couple of twittering samples, the twin-punch of Kyono's hound-from-hell roars and the primal, crunching guitars and bass make it sound more like the musical equivalent of a rabid feeding frenzy.

The only complaint I could level at the MCM is that the show didn't go on all night. Otherwise, this was the best ticket I bought all year. I don't know when they'll be back next, but I know I'll be there.

No crowd-surfing? The venue's lucky to still be standing, mate.