Here at Music Liberation we've long been fans of Teenagersintokyo, since we featured them in our podcast back in April 2008. Since then we have eagerly followed their progress as they have steadily developed as a band through a series of gigs, singles, and an EP. Determined to showcase their ideas to a wider audience the band recently moved to London from their home of Sydney in Australia, and 2010 see's them release their debut album. The first single "Peter Pan" was recently released, you can read our review here, and in support of that track the band are playing sporadic dates around the UK. We were fortunate enough to catch them this week at Buffalo Bar in Cardiff, an excellent intimate venue in the heart of the city.
Opening up were Just Like Frank (4), a poppy rock by numbers outfit, who although being the first band I've seen to sing in Welsh, were unfortunately instantly forgettable due to little stage presence and a lack of diversity. A La Fiste (6) quickly became the second band I've seen to sing in Welsh, with their combination of keyboard infused hardcore pop showing some interesting ideas and clear potential.
Teenagersintokyo (8) took to the stage with the venue a little over a third full, a very disappointing display from Cardiff gig goers for a band who deserve so much more. Those who were there witnessed a confident and compelling performance, with the band demonstrating their style of dark and expansive electro pop with rock overtones. Miska Mandic stood out with her dominant synths, backed up by the bass of Linda Marigliano, guitar of Sophie McGinn, and the reliable drums of Rudy Udovich. The lasting memory will be of vocalist Samantha Lim though, whose vocal delivery was outstanding. She has a great range which when complimented by her enigmatic stage presence really helps the set band apart.
Hopefully the band's first full release will generate the level of interest the band's quality deserves, and having David Kosten (Bat For Lashes) produce the record should certainly help with that. In the mean time check out the video for "Peter Pan", and you can also purchase the track through the usual outlets (iTunes, 7digital, Record Store, Rough Trade).
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