Monkey Island/The Dublo - CAMP Basement, London, 22/5/2012
by Sarah Mwangi
published: 23 / 6 / 2012

intro
Vacouver-based garage rock duo Japandroids put on a fast and furious show at the CAMP Basement in London
They played very much like the early definition of a garage band. In a small and unglamorous stage in front of a paint cracked, mould-stained wall, the Japandroids were all heart and reverb. In contrast, however, to the amateurish nature of a garage band, the duo knew their worth and were determined to prove it to the already converted CAMP Basement audience. And, preaching to the converted had its benefits, not least being the reciprocal relationship exhibited on the night. The intensity given off by the band was met and raised by the crowd, which in turn spurred the band on more; quickly filling the room with their unyielding (sweaty) energy. An audience of fans, however, does mean that missteps are overlooked. Some songs meshed into each other so much so that they appeared to be part two or three of a song that began five minutes ago. Then again, there’s nothing wrong with having a formula if it works, and theirs certainly does. Part of that formula is to inject as much passion into what they do, that David Prowse wears out his drum set with his rapid-fire footwork while Brian King’s fuzz-heavy riffs warms the audience only better than his charming banter in-between songs. Each song was played unapologetically fast not waiting for the Old Street crowd to catch up. And that’s why songs from their new album, ‘Celebration Rock’, received such an excited response. The band didn’t apologise for playing the new material but had enough confidence in their performance that it didn’t matter whether you could sing along or not; you were caught up in it and you loved it. Coupled with the fervent rapper Cadence Weapon as support, the mid-twenty year-old musicians were youthful in spirit and mature in delivery. And if they sweat that much in every gig they play, they will be the example of why live music will always rule over the album.
Picture Gallery:-

most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Liz Mitchell - Interview
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Garfunkel and Garfunkel Jr. - Interview
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Clive Langer - Interview
Sukie Smith - Interview
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPBoomtown Rats - Ten Songs That Made Me Love....
Trudie Myerscough-Harris - Interview
Doris Brendel - Interview
Beautiful South - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Pulp - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Kay Russell - Interview with Kay Russell
Barrie Barlow - Interview
Sound - Interview with Bi Marshall Part 1
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboNigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Wings - Venus and Mars
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart