Tokyo Police Club - Scala, London (17/06/2008)

Walking into the Scala, enthusiastic is not exactly a word I would use to describe the audience. Lounging around the venue on chairs, stairs and windowsills, people appear to have just shown up casually rather than purposely bought the tickets. Thankfully, this feeling quickly changed as the gig began.

Sporting a very respectable support band in the shape of Mobuis Band, Tokyo Police Club certainly know how to get the crowds warmed up. Effortlessly blending energizing riffs with enthusiastic vocals and onstage antics, the band whipped the audience into frenzy and got the stragglers off their feet. Once the support vacated the stage the crowd came alive and the buzz of anticipation could be felt. Eager fans pushed their way to the front, keen to get a look at the Canadian 4-piece.

Amongst screams and appaulase from the (mainly under age) crowd, the band confidently strode onto the stage, basking in the glow of appreciation. What followed, however, failed to live up to the crowd's obviously heightened expectations. The band blasted the instruments to their full potential and provided a sound more than capable of getting the crowd moving. The keyboard player (Graham Wright) in particular provided a show in himself in technical prowess and obvious stage presence.

The problem arose from a different element of their performance. While providing a set dangerously similar to the works of Death Cab For Cutie, the band failed to provide the vocal strength to satisfy those not instantly familiar with the material. Dave Monks sang with conviction and emotion but sadly due to either vocal limitations or sound problems, those beyond the front few rows strained to hear anything at all.

One of the benefits of playing in such a small venue is the proximity to which the band can situate themselves within the crowd. This was not used to its full potential at all. Aside from Wright, the guys rarely interacted with the crowd and played a set free from any noticeable showmanship. This aside, the music did provide a adequate soundtrack for a night of dancing/moshing and the short sharp songs (curiously free from slower numbers) ensured the momentum was maintained and the crowd left pleased and worn out.

Rating: 3/5

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