Marianas Trench at Koko

Rocking hot at Koko last night – with a super dramatic, cinematic opening – Marianas Trench promised a thrilling concert and delivered it. A blend of 80s metal, punk, 70s glam in performance style, and contemporary pop with its own original sound, their music varies from tongue-in-cheek humour to a wild rock opera vibe. Their new album Astoria brilliantly melds some dynamic retro musical genres with newer sounds to create something unique.

Lead singer/guitarist Josh Ramsay – shirtless and looking rather like a young Iggy Pop – lit up the stage with a star quality, charisma and energy that also reminds of Prince and David Bowie. Immensely engaging, his terrific, often-falsetto vocals, magnetic showmanship, charm and audience appeal have that je ne sais quoi that characterises some classic music icons. Yet also down to earth and humble, Josh is a mensch that fans can relate to. He’s been through some tough times resulting in creative evolution with the group’s latest album. Accompanied by his highly talented crew – lead guitarist Matt Webb, Mike Ayley on bass, drummer Ian Casselman – the team is a winner

Playing many songs from Astoria, and a few from earlier records, the concert was mesmerising from start to finish. A fast paced, upbeat Yesterday was followed by the superb Burning Up, with its distinct echoes of Prince. The more contemporary-styled All to Myself (Rave Mix) was a hit with the ecstatic audience. The 2015 Here’s to the Zeros, an ode to high school misfits and a spoof of the US kids TV show Mr Rogers’ Neighborhood, prompted crowd enthusiasm; and the excellent, soulful, emotionally raw One Love showcased Ramsey’s vocal talents.

There are riffs and licks that recall Queen, particularly in This Means War and Who Do You Love, which preceded the poignant, confessional While We’re Young and punk-inspired Cross My Heart. Concluding with some of their most well-known tracks such as the beautiful ballad Good to You and pop favorite Haven’t Had Enough – delighting the jumping, waving, cheering viewers – the encore was more of a wind up than wind down: their fantastic showmanship culminated with a spectacular theatrical finale, as if the musicians didn’t want the party to end.

With great writing, instrumentals and stage presence, combined with heart and originality, Marianas Trench are a phenomenal band that must be seen live.

Catherine Sedgwick
Daniel Donovan

For further information about Marianas Trench and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Burning Up here: