Hadouken! live at Ministry of Sound

Hadouken! last night proved that they still have it in them to get not just the kids jumping to a mish-mash of techno-bleeps, bass synths, grime inspired vocals and live instrumentals after being signed to Ministry of Sound’s record label. By promoting their forthcoming album and new single – Bad Signal, they demonstrated that since the release of their last album two years ago, they have a similar though different approach to playing the new-rave music that got them so popular in the first place.

Lead singer James Smith seems to have toned down the rapping and taken a more serious approach to their new sound, with more singing incorporated into the fast-paced, bouncy electro rhythms and heavy drumming. The “grime” influence is still there, it just seemed that James had matured and wanted a more rock-based performance for the crowd to revel in.   

The band encouraged circle pits; they are still ever so proud to be able to incorporate a rock influence into their mainly electronic-based “grindie”. With non-stop moshing from all ages, Bad Signal and Parasite proved to be a success with the crowd, who were clearly long-term fans of the band: there was even more involvement when That Boy That Girl and Get Smashed Gate Crash dropped.

With constant blaring lasers, and breaks in the songs to tell the audience to “become one with the music” the show seemed reminiscent of 90s rave culture – perhaps too much so. Though it fitted well with Ministry of Sound’s iconic, dance scene.

Though some of the music Hadouken! performed seemed to be clinging onto a sound now in decline, they showed last night that they are a band that is focused on their live performances, getting the crowd moving, regardless of injuries (one girl was carried away by security), seems to be their forte and always will be.

Matt Di Salvo

For further information and future gigs visit Hadouken!’s website here.

Watch the video of upcoming single Bad Signal here: