There aren’t many bands out there that can disappear from the international limelight for 11 years, not release an album in 7, only to return for their biggest ever London performance.
MAXIMUM THE HORMONE are a band that defy expectations and genre norms, dishing out a wild metal-pop fusion with ska-like grooves that induce the biggest mosh pits as well as Butlins-esque dance-alongs.
Over a thousand fans packed the floor of Electric Brixton on a day marked the hottest of the year so far. Reaching a high of 32°c (89.6°f) outside the venue, the crowd was breaking a sweat before the band even took to the stage.
Despite the heat, the venue was filled with a positive energy. The love for this band could be felt throughout the venue, with veteran listeners and newcomers alike coming together to witness one of the biggest returns of the decade. Now it was up for the band to deliver.
As soon as the sound of their 2018 single maximum the hormone Ⅱ hit the amps the crowd instantly erupted, turning the whole floor into one massive mosh pit. It wasn’t long until bodies starting flying and security had their hands full of crowd surfers.
The 16-track set-list perfectly encapsulated the eclectic sound of the band’s discography. From digital hardcore on their Mad Capsule Markets inspired mix of Abara Bob, ska-laced pop-punk on Kuso Breakin’ nou Breakin’ Lily, to the pure metal chaos of A-L-I-E-N.
Each track garnered a large pop from the crowd as attendees lapped up whatever filled their ears. But it was the band’s 2007 smash hit What’s Up People?! that sent the biggest wave through the venue, causing a surge of movement as soon as the iconic guitar riff of the track’s intro kicked in.
Standard “I don’t speak English” banter as well as call and response numbers broke up the night, with the band riling up the crowd by expressing their love for Tescos (a refreshing twist on the usual fish and chips cliche).
An hour and a half later the crowd dispersed high on the energy of the night. It had been a hot sweaty calorie draining set, but everyone out on the venue steps looked ready to go another round, buzzing about what they were just a part of.
With Japan still having strict covid protocols at live events (no singing, no moshing, no fun) seeing a crowd able to fling their bodies around the room and scream along with the odd lyric was clearly a breath of fresh (yet sweat filled) air for the band.
From bassist Futoshi’s Flea-like aura to guitarist Ryo’s effortless heavy playing style, each member put their 20+ years of expertise on display tonight. But it was drummer Nao that kept stealing the show as she blasted fast and heavy beats only to suddenly get on the mic to drop sweet pop vocals and a few dance moves.
This show was a testament to the band’s longevity and highlighted their fan’s craving for the batshit crazy sound and balls to the wall performances MAXIMUM THE HORMONE have been honing since their formation in 1998.
Maybe the fact that MAXIMUM THE HORMONE hadn’t performed to a London crowd in 11 years made this show all that more sweet, but hopefully we won’t have to wait another decade to see one of Japan’s best live acts return to our shores.
