Tekkno… it’s not just a genre of music but it’s also the name of the world tour that is taking over the entire planet right now. Electric Callboy, Solence, and Conquer Divide rolled into Boston, MA this past week for the Tekkno World Tour. and let me just say this, this is the most fun I’ve ever had covering a show in my entire life so I’m not going to waste my time or your time so let’s jump right in!
Coming to the stage in a sea of fog and red lighting, Conquer Divide truly is holding true to the visual aesthetic of the title of their newest record that they’re touring in support of, Slow Burn (Mascot Records). Showcasing a solid chunk of their latest record, the Michigan band ran through a seven song set list including old, new, and a little bit of everything for everyone. Having only just discovered this band myself a few weeks before this show, I can confidently say they are definitely in a regular playlist rotation now go check them out!
And now for a band that I literally did not know existed until three hours before the show started, hailing all the way from Sweden, Solence. With an overwhelming vibe of, “Fuck the bad vibes, bring on the good times!” this band immediately became a favorite of the night. The energy and appreciation this band has for it’s audience is infectious and heartwarming, but at the same time you also want to start a wall of death… but with a smile on your face. Nine songs, and not a single bored face in the crowd. Vocalist Markus Videsäter, lead guitarist David “Crack Dave” Strääf, and company led the charge on overcoming adversity and bettering yourself through the power of music. For sure a new favorite of mine.
And now onto the real meat and potatoes of this show, here in the US after years of anticipation and a previously canceled tour… Electric Callboy! Opening up with “Tekkno Train” and making the entire room shake and move, the whole venue felt like it was going to cave in on itself. Nico Sallach and Kevin Ratajczak trading off vocal riffs that make you wanna dance and start an earthquake at the same time. The party didn’t stop for even a second the entire night. Neon, smoke, confetti, 1980s workout attire, and lots00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 of glowsticks. Covers were part of the setlist as well. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting a drum solo at the show but when you do a drum solo that is also a remix of “Sandstorm” by Darude, you really can’t complain, and if you do I’ll give you 57 reasons why you can’t. They also broke out a piano and did a back-to-back cover set of “I Want It That Way” by The Backstreet Boys and “Let It Go” off of the Frozen soundtrack. Obviously their smash of a hit cover of “Everytime We Touch” was also played and was a highlight of the night. 18 songs and a double encore made up the best night I’ve ever had covering a show. Old songs and new songs alike, the vibes were immaculate and heavy, and the party don’t stop. They did say that they’re 100% coming back to the US in 2024, so if you didn’t get the chance to see them on this sold out tour, your shot is coming next year.
The night was amazing, the bands were incredible, and my voice left my body the morning after. And I wouldn’t have it any other fucking way. The tour is sold out completely and finished at the time of this article going live and the band is going out to Australia for a bit after they complete their Escalation Fest in Germany. But if you get the chance to see them in 2024. DO IT!
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Until next time y’all, this is Smallz…Over and out!
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY CHRIS SMALL