When 'Hypa Hypa' hit my YouTube algorithm in that accursed summer of 2020, it was my first encounter - or batpism of fire - with German EDM-metallers Electric Callboy. Reborn with Nico Sallach at the helm, they've since gone on a ridiculous streak of hype, culminating in their largest UK show to date at London's Eventim Apollo (rescheduled from Brixton Academy). Having seen tasters before at Slam Dunk Festival and Brighton's Chalk, we went down to witness this gargantuan moment in perhaps the most fun metal band on the planet's second wind of a career.
From minute one, you could tell this was going to be one of the happiest crowds about, with wigs, sunglasses and fancy dress outfits taking over Hammersmith for a one-off night. Now incorporating an enormous LED screen and pyrotechnics, a long drawn out intro preceded the hilarious 'Tekkno Train' as the band took to the stage. Throbbing electronics and gut-wrenching breakdowns have come to be the mission statement of Callboy, coupled with hilarious lyrics and a unique on-stage charisma.
A nod to the golden oldies with 'Supernova' and 'The Scene' got the crowd jumping up and down, before 'Castrop x Spandau' produced an incredible moment of a British crowd singing along fully in German, testament to the dedication of the Callboy fanbase. Generational metal anthem 'Hypa Hypa' was shoved to the middle of the set, allowing numbers from recent album TEKKNO to have sufficient breathing space in the set. 'Fuckboi' and 'Hurrikan' are the most ambitious releases from Callboy yet, and they slotted seamlessly into the live setting - with a helping hand from Future Palace's Maria Lessing.
Saving three heavyweights for the encore, the original outfits were unveiled for 'Pump It' and 'We Got The Moves' - with perhaps their boldest, most flamboyant anthem 'Spaceman' sandwiched in between. In just three years, they've managed to amass a ridiculously stacked catalogue and build on the hits they've had before, spiralling into album form with TEKKNO as a cohesive yet colourful body of work.
Electric Callboy return to the UK this summer and autumn, and you can view a full list of their dates below. Remaining tickets are on sale here.
Sun 11 Jun - Donington, Download Festival
Sun 22 Oct - Portsmouth, Guildhall
Mon 23 Oct - Leeds, O2 Academy
Tue 24 Oct - Glasgow, O2 Academy
Thu 26 Oct - Bristol, O2 Academy
Fri 27 Oct - Cardiff, The Great Hall
Sat 28 Oct - Birmingham, O2 Academy
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