THE OSLO HACKNEY
BY SEAN MCKOY
Zkeletonz are building out a niche for themselves and the proudly independent trio from Warwickshire are emerging from a vibrant underground music scene. But there’s nothing underground about their sound. Their unique blend of electro, disco, indie pop feels otherworldly and has a charmingly infectious vibe.
In anticipation of their eagerly awaited new album, I head down to their biggest show to date at the Oslo Hackney- a bucket list venue they’ve always dreamed of playing. It begins with a bombastic opening, with frontman Gav bounding on to the stage with the high energy the band is known for. The group’s coordinated glittery jackets feel like an apt fashion choice, channelling the bright vibe that their music embodies whilst their reflective masks add an air of theatrically that punctuates the swift show.
It is a night of old favourites and new bangers, with a set list of songs ranging from 8 years ago to unreleased exclusives from the yet unnamed project. Gav’s voice is great; an immaculate falsetto that is at times drowned out by a booming sound system. His stage presence is strong throughout and his impressive performance is equally matched by the other members of the band. Multi-instrumentalist Will is slick on the keys and guitar, especially with his solos. And producer Ed, whose joy is palpable from the audience, provides the beats and basslines that keep the performance flowing.
The mainly older crowd is an eclectic mix who are initially reticent to engage, leading to Gav imploring them to dance. It is a bold decision, but it works- an almost immediate groove takes hold, helped by the instructionally titled song Enhance your Dance which instantly moves the crowd. By the end they are begging for an encore, a request the group happily grants- ending with two classic covers topping off the celebratory atmosphere the self-proclaimed ‘party boys’ create.
In a landscape often dominated by formulaic sounds, Zkeletonz stand out as a beacon of artistic freedom. Their dream is to play Glastonbury one day; a lofty ambition that seems a world away right now. But their music was once likened to a disco spaceship, so it might just be the perfect vehicle to get them there.
Follow Zkeletonz on Instagram @zkeletonz
