Kero Kero Bonito Draw Battle Lines at Brooklyn Steel

Sarah Perry of Kero Kero Bonito at Brooklyn Steel – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

Fresh off their new EP, Civilisation I, London-based band Kero Kero Bonito brought their edgy electro-pop to Brooklyn Steel this past Thursday night. Negative Gemini opened the show, delivering a dance friendly set to a highly energetic crowd, eager to get the night started.

Negative Gemini at Brooklyn Steel – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

Originally a trio, Kero Kero Bonito have expanded their live band to include two more members; adding a whole new layer of noise and groove to their live sound. Sarah Perry fronts the band and continuously engages the crowd while adding quirky theatrical elements, like waving an oversized white flag during the opening song “Battle Lines.”

Sarah Perry of Kero Kero Bonito at Brooklyn Steel – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

New band members James Rowland and Jennifer Walton were on percussion and keyboard duties, and throughout the show they kept switching instruments for various solos and jams. They each brought their own style to the instruments and the band remained just as sharp regardless of who was playing what.

Jennifer Walton of Kero Kero Bonito at Brooklyn Steel – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

Kero Kero Bonito have a dedicated and highly engaged fanbase. The audience sung along to every track and did not let up the energy one bit. The lengthy 21 song main set never felt dull, even when Sarah announced a “break” to perform one of the groups slower songs. Break time quickly ended and the high energy performance continued. During the encore, there was an unlikely cover of U2’s “Vertigo,” which sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Kero Kero Bonito at Brooklyn Steel – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

A unique mix of punk and electro-pop with a traditional J-pop influence really set Kero Kero Bonito apart from other indie pop blends. They present a vibrant performance and their discography continues to evolve. The band continues on their North American tour through November.

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