From humble beginnings in a downstairs bar in London, originally styling themselves as Friday I’m In Love, Massaoke have certainly ventured a substantial journey in their more than a decade long quest for recognition, playing to crowds up and down the country in their trademark spandex get ups complete with the required stage presence to match. For the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Massaoke is no stranger, and they return this year with a twist on their classic mass karaoke act by focusing upon a late 20th century set list that pits the 80s against the 90s.
A thoroughly well-received show that taps into the millennial spirit with tremendously deft aplomb
Massaoke’s touring band – officially named Rockstar Weekend – are comprised of the energetic and enthusiastic quintet of lead guitarist El Neilio, lead vocalist and pianist Mac Savage, drummer Mat Factor, VJ and vocalist McClean, and Rebel Rye on bass. El Neilio and Savage make for the perfect combination of flamboyant and forceful as leading players on the stage, not taking themselves seriously and involving the audience at every turn. Ensuring no punches are to be pulled, the band ring us in the opening with a dynamic rendition of AC/DC's Thunderstruck before the night truly takes off.
The act gives us the all-important riffs, choruses and rhythms we are familiar with in short blasts, trimming the fat of songs rather than play them in their entirety, save a handful of totemic classics. Whilst this may seem like undercutting the point of live music, it offers a unique experience where you swiftly move from head banging to Guns N' Roses to singing along to the catchy and camp lyrics of Barbie Girl, to swaying hands in unison to the renowned power ballad of Total Eclipse of the Heart.
Agility is the word here, but this plays into the overall crowd-pleasing strategy of the act itself, one which offers an unrivalled euphoria from hearing everyone’s favourites in rapid succession. All in all, Massaoke 80s vs 90s is true to its name, delivering the audience a thoroughly well-received show that taps into the millennial spirit with tremendously deft aplomb.
