Life and work…really gets in the way of concert going and writing reviews. So, while later than I’d like, I present my review of Electric Callboy on May 27 in Boston at the MGM Music Hall, Fenway.
This was a cool show that wasn’t really about the musicianship for once but more about the party atmosphere. Yes I know, I love me a solid band, but these dudes just bring an energy! And don’t get me wrong, the music is great, but it’s not about the guitar shredding for this one.
But first, Scene Queen. She opened the show and was pretty “interesting” or “different” as many people said during a break between bands. Scene Queen is essentially a petite blonde girl singing poppy stuff and also doing screaming/growling death metal vocals as well. A lot of ridiculous lyrics, funny banter, and just having fun. She and the band (2 dudes only – guitar and drums) didn’t take themselves too seriously.
I would’ve described her as Trash Metal but she described herself as “Bimbo-core.” I can get on board with that. She does have a sorta hit song with Barbie & Ken (that she opened with) and several songs with “Pink” in the title.
Polaris was next. Dudes from Australia. Decent band, pretty heavy, lots of energy, and the only full true band of the night with 2 guitarist, a bassist, a drummer and singer. I wasn’t super into them but didn’t hate them either. The music was good, the singer was high energy with some good metal growls but also clean singing. I just found the songs to be repetitive with no great hooks. But the crowd was into it and that’s what matters.
Electric Callboy was the act everyone was there for and it was a cool show. They came out to TANZNEID and then a cover of Sum 41’s Still Waiting which is pretty cool. Techno Train, and Hypa Hypa (a fun energetic tune) followed. A couple medleys were in the mix during the show, a drum solo, and also a visit into the crowd for 2 songs. That was pretty cool as they were in front of our section at the time. They also asked the crowd to put phones down and just enjoy during this portion. Most obliged and for a short time, we had that old school concert feel. They of course worked in Elevator Operator, RATATATA and closed the night with We Got the Moves. If you don’t know them, it’s truly ridiculous but also awesome. Such fun show. Full setlist here if interested.
Callboy is big on the outfit changes too. If the pop divas of the world and Weird Al can have lots of outfit/wardrobe/costume changes, why can’t they? Goofy track suits from the 80a, wigs, glasses, helmets, lots of neon colors, and more.
This Boston show was the last stop of their US tour and all bands mentioned this several times while showing appreciation to their fellow tour mates. All three bands kept the energy high all night. They seemed bummed it was the last night vs relieved which I appreciate. All acts talked with the crowd, which I also always enjoy. It’s great to have interaction vs just song after song with no crowd acknowledgement.
This venue allows pits and crowd surfing, and there was plenty of both throughout the night. Fun to watch but never my thing to participate in. There were a few peeps that were questionable crowd surfers but the crowd pulled it off. Then there’s the light up shoes girl. Pretty much every metal show I attend at this venue or the Worcester Palladium, she’s there crowd surfing over and over. I’m waiting for her blog or YouTube channel “Tales of a crowd surfer” or something to pop up. She’s goes from the back of the crowd to the stage dozens of times throughout the night. Pretty hilarious.
No pyrotechnics at this venue (that I’ve seen so far) and that’s fine by me. But the use of confetti canons is heavy. Electric Callboy used theirs 4 times I believe during their set, plus one of the singers had himself a confetti gun/bazooka? that he used during one of the songs. Lots of cleanup to be done!
Overall, a great show. Electric Callboy is unique. Most of my friends are unfamiliar with them (guess I need new friends) but when I try to explain their sound, Dance Metal is what comes to mind. Check them out and see for yourself.
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