From noise rock and shrieking vocals to post-punk and indie rock and roll, here's your weekly roundup of gigs in Ipswich.
This week's highlights
17 Sep: Melt Banana
Starting off the week, Tokyo-based heavy rock band Melt Banana put on a harrowingly ecstatic show.
Their unique sound perfectly combines elements of punk, rock, and EDM to birth a hyperactive noise unique to them. Their driven bass and pounding drums complemented lead singer Yasuko O's frenzy of vocals in a sensory overload of music.
Seeing Melt Banana live is unparalleled to listening digitally; the atmosphere brought to the venue was nothing short of sweat, exhaustion, and awe.
From the audience: "Inspiring to see the band still delivering a set like their 20 yrs old."
19 Sep: AK/DK
Post-punk inspired AK/DK were a refreshing calm to the storm brought on by Melt Banana to the venue.
Incorporating energetic lyrics with addictive beats really allowed us to hear the influences of other bands within their work; those that come to mind immediately are LCD Soundsystem, Deadletter, and Kraftwerk.
Hearing post-punk bands incorporate other genres into their music is so quenching. In a rapidly growing scene of new post-punk band evolution, it's often hard to stand out. But AK/DK brightly do, fusing continuous bass lines with psychedelic rock and EDM.
Support came from video game-inspired artist Pixelh8, who performed a genre clash of electronic beats. Both artists presented us with a mish-mash of genres, and it seemed appreciated to give the audience a taste of versatility.
From the audience: "The 2 drum kits on stage was so different, it was live dance music essentially which was so innovative and unique."
20 Sep: The Joe Keeley Band
Suffolk-based The Joe Keeley Band brought an adventurous alt-country vibe to the stage, propelled by rebellious guitar riffs. This four-piece ensemble delivered a dynamic take on country music, proving that the genre can extend beyond traditional folk harmonies and banjos.
Support acts Palomino Kings and Rob Lewis complemented the performance beautifully, with their own rootsy, western rock 'n' roll influences. Together, the three acts created a warming ambience that left the audience eager for more of their refreshingly alternative country sounds.
21 Sep: Absolute Bowie
Absolute Bowie was an impressively realistic Bowie impersonation act. It captured the iconic look with stunning costumes and makeup and embodied the legendary performer's fits and mannerisms.
Every performance felt like a true homage to Bowie's rich legacy as the setlist spanned Bowie's diverse catalogue. The captivating visuals and electrifying energy not only celebrated the music of a legend but transported the audience back to the glam of the seventies.
From the audience: "Shit hot fantastic. He was a very good Bowie; it wasn't just about clothes but about movements, interactions etc and the production value was incredible"
21 Sep: Foreign Voices
To conclude the week, Southwest-based Foreign Voices blends post-punk, alt-rock, and indie into a unique sound that defies easy categorization.
In a chat with the band, they revealed their diverse influences, citing Plymouth's heavy post-hardcore scene, Exeter's distinct indie scene, the North's fusion of house, dance, and rock from Liverpool and Manchester, and the creative energy of Cornwall.
This eclectic mix makes them hard to pin down to a single genre. Their performance reflected this diversity, with each song bringing a fresh twist, yet always anchored by beautifully delivered vocals and a seamlessly integrated, hypnotic bassline.
Support from Suns of Icarus and Chris Asker, who similarly brought distinctive vocals and shouty indie, rounded out an eclectic gig that had the audience buzzing. The night was a perfect end to the week, filled with vibrant energy and genre-blurring performances that left everyone craving more.
Coming up
Tonight
Experience the ambient noises of Noise10drone64 at The Smokehouse in with DShappyBOI, White Noise Winter, LINUS FITNESS CENTRE, ANRFUN and MIND INFECTED FUTURE FACTION. Tickets start at just £6.
Friday 27th Sep
Hope Ahead (pop punk), The Frestonians (alternative rock) and Dolce Fire (rock) perform at The Smokehouse this Friday. Tickets start at just £5. Book in advance to save money.
