Anamanaguchi finally made their Australian debut, bringing their collision of electronic music, punk and video game culture to Melbourne’s Howler. For a band whose career was built around the internet, their first Australian tour was a chance to take their digital world into a very real room.

Melbourne-based producer frog chaser, originally from Phillip Island, kicked off proceedings with his electronic soundscapes.

Sydney duo Porcelain Boy, Jordan Olyslagers and Jordyn Mamora, pushed things further into experimental electronic and hyperpop territory.

Anamanaguchi have never been particularly interested in playing by the rules. From soundtracking Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game and performing in Minecraft to collaborating with Hatsune Miku and launching a slice of pizza into space, their career has been anything but conventional.

Their latest album, Anyway, marked a shift away from their digital beginnings, embracing the rawer sounds of emo, punk and indie rock. At Howler, those influences collided with the electronic melodies and video game-inspired sounds that have long defined the band.

With frog chaser and Porcelain Boy providing suitably left-field support, Anamanaguchi’s Melbourne debut was a reminder that their music has always been difficult to categorise. After years spent exploring virtual worlds, they proved their ideas worked just as well outside the screen.

Images Brad Kendell

The tour continues to Brisbane, tickets HERE.

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