CHICAGO | Demob Happy, a British band hailing from England, stormed into Chicago with an impressive showcase of their musical mastery. Composed of lead singer and bassist Matthew Marcantonio, drummer Thomas Armstrong and lead guitarist Adam Godfrey, the trio put on a powerful and thunderous performance that shook the Beat Kitchen — and the crowd — to its core. Their distinctive fusion of sounds, spanning from 70s rock to 90s grunge and experimental heavy alternative, is a blend so singular and harmonious that it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
Their performance kicked off with the electrifying song, “Voodoo Science,” which was off of their latest album, Divine Machines. The song ignited with a roaring guitar solo between the bassist and the lead guitarists. Their energies resonated, sending reverberation out to the crowd with each strum of their guitar strings. Infused with intense classic rock vibes, their appearance exuded the essence of 70s rock merged with alternative styles, reflected in their outfits and hair, while their fourth semi-member played a synth in the back of the band bringing a new wave sort of feel to their music. It gave a classic rock feel with experimental vibes creating a sonic fusion that laid thick in the air.
The momentum quickly shifted with their second song, “Loosen It.” The songs tempo accelerated infusing a more upbeat feel with the addition of a blaring cowbell in the background. The drummer, in a whirlwind of movement, banged his head; his hair wildly flying across the drum set with each thunderous crash of the drums. Pouring their hearts and souls into each and every note, the bands energy lit the crowd on fire, fueling an electric exchange of energy between each person in the room. This song is what sparked the interaction between the band and the crowd as the singer waved for us to get our hands up and sing the chorus with them. There was a brief pause in the playing of instruments leaving just the vocals to rip through the venue. This surely left a lasting impression.
Each song brought a range of blending and mixing as their sounds were never anticipated. For some of their songs, one of the members’ girlfriends came onto the stage to sing backing vocals which added another layer of depth to their music. With the numerous guitar solos and range of vocals, it was clear this band was talented and had a high skill level. There wasn’t a moment of stillness or boredom as the energy was high and constant. Sweat and condensation coated the room, a testament to the electrifying experience pulsating within.
“Token Appreciation Society,” offered a more gritty and captivating vibe, resonating with a divine blend of grunge and classic rock. The lead singer’s gestures echoed the style of Robert Plant, adding a familiar yet distinctive flair to their performance. The band had an aura of effortlessness and coolness that drew you into their music. You could tell these guys were cool, and you wanted to be friends with them by the time the show was over, as their passion for the music on the stage was evident — yet they maintained a composed and collected demeanor, riding the energetic flow of the show to the beat of the crowd.
The songs “Super-Fluid” and “Muscular Reflex,” added a distinct blues feel with some tinged guitar riffs and higher pitched vocals. These songs really brought us back to the roots of rock and roll. “Super-Fluid” was a longer song, but it felt almost like an epic out of 60s psychedelic rock with its twists and turns. The instrumentals at the end of the song made it feel like it was part of a concept album from the 70s. “Muscular Reflex,” brought in a sense of 80s gothic feel while still keeping it modern and elevated. The drummer brought in some higher pitched vocals which added another layer of depth and curiosity to the song.
The last song on their set, “Be Your Man,” was a crowd pleaser. Most of the crowd knew this song as it turned the floor into a mosh pit filled with explosive energy holding onto the last few minutes of rock and roll bliss. The crowd begged for more songs at the end of the set not wanting the night to end. (The singer even threw their setlist out into the crowd and I caught it!) After the show, the band hung out at the bar for a while signing merch and mingling amongst their fans, making it was a very personal show.
The connections made in that room were real and would surely last a lifetime, while the band reminded us that rock and roll is still very much alive —we all just have to take part in its revival.
All photos taken by Zoe Blakeman