Superorganism at SWX 26/10/2018

Superorganism have generated a massive following since exploding onto the scene with their debut single, ‘Something for your M.I.N.D.’ The song was released randomly on Soundcloud, and went onto become Rolling Stone magazine’s 25th favourite song of 2017.  

At the beginning of the set, I thought I might be at the wrong address. In a dark room, on walked the 7-piece in single file, each draped in what turned out to be a glossy cape.  Usually they are an octet, but a member was missing. The three last members on the stage appeared to be holding glowing orbs. If I had wandered in blindfolded I might have believed I was entering the beginning of a cult ritual. What ensued over the next hour was a gig unlike any other. An explosion of animation, each section independent from the previous song, an experience for the eyes as much as the ears. From flying cats, to a cataclysm of Microsoft error messages to a throwback retro video gaming segment. If I’d ever done any psychedelic drugs, I would imagine it may be a little like that. Each song was introduced with a pre-record reverb voice garnering even more entertainment out of the gig.

The music itself can be described as an eclectic mix of heavy bass, modulating synth and reverbed guitar with a splash of voice altering vocals. Superorganism themselves describe their music as “original internet-age electronically-tinged indie pop music”. Their first song SPROGNSM, which turned out to be my favourite, set the tone for the whole set. The place was rocking as soon as the bassline kicks in and comes to a climax as the reverb voice and audience scream, ‘I gotta be a Superorganism!’ Orono’s voice was soothing yet kept you on edge from start to end.

Orono, although only 18 and 5ft tall, commanded the stage. This came as bit of a surprise as it was in stark comparison to her persona on the sets that Superorganism have done on KEXP and npr Tiny Desk. In between songs her eccentric, free-living and conversational style came to the forefront. She engaged the crowd with off the cuff humour and funny soliloquys, which continuously went off tangent. Halfway through the set, she began an ‘underwater section’ in which she stood on the stage alone, and held a 5-minute Q&A. Her stage presence is summed up expertly well with reference to the last question she answered: Q: ‘Are you bisexual?’; A: ‘Urm that’s a question for my tour manager Gary, Gary am I bisexual?’.

At the conclusion of the gig, the band started pointing at people in the crowd (supposedly conditional on if they liked tea). They were all invited on stage to perform the last song ‘Everybody wants to be famous.’ It could be considered the precipice of the concert. Crazy visuals, intense music, and a fun-loving band who felt connected to their fan base. There must have been nearly forty people on stage for the last song!