Having taken to UK shores numerous times since their first appearance in 2014, the four-piece math-rock phenomenon, tricot, are no strangers to the UK’s music scene. This time, they’re making their biggest mark on the country with a whopping 13 shows as part of their ongoing ‘Zang-Neng’ tour.
Internationally acclaimed for their avant-garde approach to J-pop-infused rock, characterised by their intricate melodies and energetic performances, tricot kicked off their most extensive UK tour to date with a near full-house performance at London’s iconic “gay superclub”, Heaven.
The night commenced with the enigmatic opening notes of ‘Joudan Kentei’, introduced with dreamy shimmering guitars and subdued rhythms before erupting into their trademark complex technical precision. A perfect introduction to tricot’s distinctive musical universe.
The seamless fusion of Motoko “Motifour” Kida’s compelling guitar work, the rhythmic mastery of Yusuke Yoshida on drums, and Hiromi “Hirohiro” Sagane on bass, all complemented by Ikumi “Ikkyu” Nakajima’s dynamic vocals and charismatic stage presence, set the tone for the evening.
In addition to tracks from their latest album ‘Fudeki’, tricot delved into their catalogue of fan favourites like ‘Pork Ginger’ and ‘Melon Soda’. Song after song, they showcased their wide range of uniquely blended pop and rock tracks, incorporating everything from heavy noise-driven breakdowns to playful rap, skilfully interweaving new elements into each track.
Broken up by brief interludes from Nakajima, the band expressed their gratitude for the audience’s support. They also playfully hinted that their larger tour had been made possible by fans purchasing T-shirts during their last visit. This led the crowd to cheering “money!” for making this all happen.
tricot closed the night with an encore performance of the latest album’s title track, ‘Fudeki’. A nearly seven-minute track, with deceptively docile 90s grunge-esque tones, dissolved into an unprecedented noisy conclusion as Kida’s guitar work transitioned into an intense noise display.
tricot’s performance at Heaven underscored their remarkable musicianship and their unique ability to craft an immersive live experience. Their enthralling approach to the genre reinforced their position as an influential force in the world of math-rock, ensuring that the audience didn’t merely watch a show but genuinely “experienced tricot”.
As they continue their UK tour, which culminates in Birmingham on November 21st, tricot’s growing popularity in the country remains undeniable. Their fusion of math rock and J-pop influences continues to resonate with audiences, delivering some of the most captivating and dynamic soundscapes in Japan’s rock scene.
Photos by Charles Shepherd
TRICOT UNVEIL 13-DATE UK TOUR AS PART OF ONGOING ZANG-NENG TOUR
tricot
Fudeki
Release Date: 07/12/2022
Label: cutting edge
Listen on: Spotify