James Kent, better known by his stage name Perturbator, is back in the Big Smoke, following his sold out UK debut just four months ago. In response to the overwhelming appetite for the Frenchman's synthwave, this sophomore London outing has been upgraded to the roomier Scala and labelmate GosT. Given the success of the previous London date, Perturbator's synthesis of predominantly '80s electronic with strains of disco, ambient, metal and pop is definitely not to be missed by lovers of '80s music, films, anime and video games.
American GosT is a fantastic choice of support, also on the headliner's record label Blood Music and personal friend of Perturbator. Modelling a skull mask and a jacket adorned with some decorative studs, it is evident his roots are firmly positioned in the metal universe. His synthwave secretions feature heavy distortion, vintage horror and satanic malice all conjuring '80s nostalgia. This year sees the release of second album 'Non Paradisi' and the frenetic likes of 'Maleficarum' and the anime-flecked 'Arise' illustrate a representive breadth of the album's stylistic contents. The audience appears reserved but as the set progresses, more get involved in the performance as if won over and partake in dancing. GosT himself is teeming with energy, dancing erratically and racing about on stage and truly reanimating the man-standing-behind-a-laptop image of electronic artists live. A cover of Bonnie Tyler's 'Hero' is an amusing addition to the set but it is selections from debut album 'Behemoth' that are the highlights of the night so far, namely 'Master', 'Tongue' and 'Genesee Avenue', with dancing bombast encased in sinister soundscapes. The set marches by rapidly and it feels far too soon for GosT to leave the stage. This was a formidable performance for the headliner to surpass.
Back-lit by tall stands of lights, Perturbator lifts off with 'Neo-Tokyo' from this year's 'The Uncanny Valley', firing neon colour, animated drama and cybernetic melodies onto his audience. It is difficult to resist moving your body to such sci-fi viciousness and indeed that is what the spectators do. Confident behind his MacBook, James Kent in his leather jacket and hoody combination has the venue in the palm of his hand. Next up is another new song, 'Disco Inferno', introducing increasingly more danceable '70s disco elements into the environment with delectable results. 'Future Club' nods towards the modern yet remains resolutely '80s at its core and secures an overwhelming response from the fans. Keeping with the 'Dangerous Days' album, 'She is Young, She is Beautiful, She is Next' follows with an air of foreboding and anticipation. Perturbator is bathed in electric purple and fuchsia lighting, perfectly evoking the neon adrenaline of the '80s.
The tone delves into the flirtatious as the playful 'Sexualizer' is served up with its twinkling effects and a disco bassline. This is immediately contrasted by the horror film score inspired 'Satanic Rites', its metal hard-hitting rhythms another treat for the dancing worshippers, storming the venue with the mechanical 'Humans are Such Easy Prey' that races to an explosive climax. Vocals (recorded) are introduced to the set via the seductive and atmospheric 'Venger', the fragile yet emotive voice of Greta Link an outstanding contribution to the track. Kent's stage presence is barely existent compared to GosT and he never speaks a word to the punters but the music does all the essential communicating.
The introduction of 'Welcome Back' feels oddly positioned towards the end of the set but when it connects to 'Perturbator's Theme', the reasoning is clear. One of the best emissions in his discography, this song deploys a final burst of upbeat colour and alluring '80s narrative. Silently, Perturbator evacuates the stage and the house lights appear, signalling the end of the gig. It may have been a sudden conclusion but it would have been hard to top the final song.
Perturbator is such a phenomenal electronic artist and this second show in London eclipsed the first earlier in the year with a better retro electro setlist and more comfort for the crowd given the size of the Scala compared to a sweaty sold out Underworld. This nostalgia download was the best way to spend a Tuesday night and fingers crossed that Perturbator will return within another four months again.
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.