David’s bagged a prime slot at the Sticky Floors under-16 club night, but there’s just one problem: his bandmate Steven is nowhere to be seen…
Anyone who remembers the late 90s/early 00s emo scene will immediately identify with David’s escapades- the awkwardness of chatting up girls, trying not to break the law filesharing on Limewire, rejecting the emo label as too reductive and pretentiously quoting Sartre.
There’s plenty of soundtrack choices to keep the nostalgic vibe going, from Panic! At The Disco to My Chemical Romance, and the audience sang along with gusto. Fortunately, they were also up for some audience interaction, ranging from bra-flinging to filling in for the missing drummer and duetting on some sad slam poetry. As a millennial who grew up surrounded by emo and goth culture, it was so relatable; judging by how people reacted to the Motorola Razr ringtone, there were quite a few from that generation in attendance!
Laurie Stevens not only nailed emo culture in all its black eyeliner-filled glory, but she brought the music to life through clever looping of multiple instruments. As to whether Steven turns up, you’ll have to see the show to find out, but make sure to fix up your black hair dye and spiky belt before you do.
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David’s One Man Band (F*ck You Steven) is at Underbelly Belly Dancer from 4-24 Aug (not 12th).