Our most recent Deli SF Presents show began with a slight setback after we heard the unfortunate last-minute news that Meta would have to pull out of the line-up. In spite of that announcement, and with an air of laissez-faire for how the evening would unfold, Tokyo Raid and the Dashing Suns went on to deliver wonderful performances.
Summoning all the dark and brooding post-punk they could muster, Tokyo Raid took to the stage for an enthusiastic audience. A immensely powerful three-piece band, Tokyo Raid pounded out an impressive set that fused the pulsing drone of Joy Division with blues-inspired psyche rock. Layered with aptly placed shrieks of feedback, Tokyo Raid bludgeoned the crowd with their wall of sound that eagerly awaited dissection. An intricate tableau of tones and frequencies, Tokyo Raid is certainly a band for those with an inquisitive ear.
Closing out this fairly laid back evening were Oakland’s The Dashing Suns. Combining the power of punk rock with the youthful jubilance of 60s pop, The Dashing Suns exploded onto the stage in an exciting contrast to the preceding act. While similarities to the Kinks and The Troggs definitely jump to mind, perhaps an apt contemporary comparison would be the Austin punk band Harlem. Both groups exude an almost dangerous level of energy while maintaining something akin to childlike innocence in their sound. They have recently signed with a label in New York, and we’ve heard rumors of a new album soon to be released; lets all look forward to following the Dashing Suns on what should be a promising musical career.
With such intricate and fascinating music, this show suffered no disappointment in the face of a last minute cancellation. I thoroughly encourage you to check out Tokyo Raid and The Dashing Suns at the next opportunity you get; and stay tuned for the announcement of our next Deli SF presents show at the end of July.
-Words and Photos by Ada Lann