By Jase Walker
So after a mad dash back from working in Rotterdam for the day it seems a massive storm has blown into Amsterdam and seemingly caught the whole city by surprise, myself included. So I’m completely soaked but I’ve managed to make it in time for the doors to open for Bambie Thug. Following on from a pretty stellar performance at Eurovision and a highlighted spot at Download Festival this year, I’ve been eager to catch them and I’ve been granted that chance tonight.
A slightly danced up version of the ‘Halloween’ theme plays and the room goes dark while both of The Darklings take the stage. A bit of a rough start with the backing music not quite starting, just a minor hiccup though. Delightfully campy gothy pop, I’m already sold and the choreographed dancing while singing is pretty awesome too. There’s a real strong streak of the sort of ’80s new romantic era in here, seemingly drawing on Soft Cell, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, and Eurythmics. They’re also uttering words I’ve always wanted to hear at a live show: “shall we turn up the bass?”. Yes please!
More influences are bleeding through, like Dead Or Alive and Depeche Mode, this is really scratching my nostalgia itch for 80s synth pop but infused with modern queer humour, it’s a fantastic combo and they’re a lot of fun to watch. Hang on… they’re doing the macarena?! This isn’t the plot twist I was expecting tonight but certainly not unwelcome though! There’s even a little nod to the dance from MJ’s ‘Thriller’ in there too!
As with most support acts, it’s 30 minutes to get your stuff across to the audience and they’ve clearly won over the pretty packed room with their excellent set that’s been a lot of fun to watch. And as much as I’m a fan of self deprecation, I don’t think they should refer to themselves as a joke that went too far; they’ve got something really good here and I hope they keep seeing great responses for the whole tour.
Somehow the venue is now even more full and the lighting production at the back of the stage begins ticking along white light while a voice over introduces the show. Two large hooded (and fucking jacked) persons take the stage and begin their choreography while we await Bambie Thug appearing. I’m already quite surprised at the level of production and quality of the show, I shouldn’t be given the Eurovision performance but this really does blow many shows I’ve seen in this same stage out of the water. The sort of vibe they’re kicking out is similar to the likes of Ashnikko or Cassyette as the music is fairly bombastic with a punk edge but the visual element is carefully planned and executed also. This sort of show is impressive almost in its own right for just how much movement there is and how well executed it is, well that and it’s pretty raunchy as well. I’ve said “fucking hell” out loud several times and we’ve barely even crossed the halfway point too.
Bambie has made no secret of her support for Palestine and appearing draped in the flag to the whoops and cheers of the audience, she starts with a much more somber and slower song. Clearly emboldened by the act of rebellion at this year’s Eurovision but no longer burdened by its broadcasting rules, Bambie makes a point to remind the audience that they should remember they are fortunate of their place in the world.
I think the main thing that really stands out to me with this performance is that it’s easy to dismiss Eurovision entries as some sort of made up garbage, but Bambie Thug easily shows that this is an overwhelming misunderstanding. The whole experience of this showcases that Bambie Thug is a serious artist and devoted to their craft, from the songwriting all the way to the stage performance. I’m not sure I expected Supersoakers to be pulled out and sprayed all over the crowd but it’s probably not the weirdest thing I’ve seen (considering I took a pie to the face once, true story).
Bambie Thug has been absolutely fucking outrageous tonight and I don’t doubt the vast majority of people will be back again for their next stop in October after this show sold out so fast. They’ll be growing so fast they won’t be doing these size venues for much longer.
- The tour continues:
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