Photo:
Walking into the Astoria tonight is like entering the monkey house at feeding time. Hoards of fashionable punky kids are cavorting around the bar area, leaping and spinning around; it could prove to be annoying but that wouldn’t be fair on them - it’s the mighty Test Icicles’ last ever gig and they’re only acting like their heroes.
As excitement builds, the original Ritalin gang arrive prompt on the stage and swiftly tear straight into ‘Circle, Square, Triangle’ like it’s…well like it is the last time. Funny that. Their most melodic and arguably complete song, the audience surge towards them in wave after wave singing every word and pumping their little fists enthusiastically. It’s like a Sex Pistols gig for kids- anarchic and exhilarating. The 14 year olds nearby are literally running on the spot just to expel some of this delirious energy, as are the band.
The Test Icicles lads have always used the stage well - a three headed beast they tear around, taking turns to spin and leap like the kids in the bar earlier. A schizophrenic sound matches the visual madness with heavy metal wails, hip-hop breaks and grunge guitars competing for your ears. They joke throughout- playing song’s off supposed second albums, a sample of a Green Day song is accompanied with “Don’t you feel emotional?” and ‘Dancing on Pegs’ is just funny anyway but when Dev takes a Polaroid of the hysterical crowd at the end it’s a poignant moment. They depart on a high leaving the audience wanting more with the knowledge that they’ll never get any. RIP Test Icicles, it’s been emotional.
Photos by: Simon Leak
.jpg)
