It was Thursday night and I was pretty tired driving back from work, but Skylar Spence was touring for their 'Prom King' album at The Echo and I would count myself a fool to have missed it. I had misjudged what time the band was going to come on and just caught the last few minutes of the first opener, MRCH. Little did I know the next performance would leave a lasting impression on me as the disco ball suddenly came to life and out popped this energetic young woman in a (what looked like) a slightly opaque pink raincoat.
They were Kero Kero Bonito
Bet you can't say that 3 times fast without fumbling over 'burrito'.
Okay, maybe you can but I stumbled at first.
This delightful trio is composed by two extremely talented producers, London natives Jamie Bulled and Gus Lobban, and their vibrant front woman, Sara Midori Perry. Eccentric, colorful and synthetic, their bubble gum pop style is greatly influenced by Japanese pop and video game music.
Taking the stage with unstoppable, childlike charisma Perry keeps herself light on her feet while she coolly switches between rapping in Japanese and English in every song. Gus and Jamie can be seen from behind her, focusing on mixing in the back but occasionally walk forward to help incite the crowd with their rap monster by posing in sharp stances. With every song there was a new prop whether it be an inflatable Flamingo or a plastic wired pink telephone.
The entire set was extremely entertaining and it was difficult to stay still while everyone else around you was jumping up and down, screaming in the best japanese they could to sing along with Perry. I could see their excitement bleed from their pores and the fans had a right to do so, it was Kero Kero Bonito's first US tour and who wouldn't be screaming from the top of their lungs if one of their favorite groups finally crossed the pond into your neighborhood.
They have one more date left in their North American tour: October 29 in San Diego at the Soda Bar with Skylar Spence. If you are in the area and like sugar future hip-pop sound then check them out.
Photo Credit: Hannah Lemon Photography