Under the Influence

Multi-band lineups usually include a few duds, but not this one. Held as part of Liquidroom's 7th anniversary celebrations, 'Under the Influence' enrolls four top-flight acts from the Tokyo live circuit. Anthemic post-hardcore band Envy pushed all the buttons that Mogwai failed to reach when they played at Fuji Rock last weekend, on a stage that was also graced by alt. guitar-slingers Mo'some Tonebender. Friction, meanwhile, have been at it since the late-'70s, and are a devilishly entertaining live act. Last of all, propulsive girl trio Nisennenmondai seem finally to have graduated from the realm of terminal obscurity – they played Primavera earlier this year, and are due to appear at All Tomorrow's Parties in December. In a word: tempting.