Review by Kayla Hamilton (@kaylazomboid)

SADIE G & FRIENDS: VOL. 6
CREAM, Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
August 24th 2024

A little time has passed since I attended Sadie G & Friends Vol.6 but trust me, this report is relevant for what we have coming up over the next few days.

In the trendy suburb of Shimokitazawa, a must visit if you plan to go to Tokyo anytime soon, is the multi-level venue CREAM. This venue plays host to the Sadie G & Friends events and this one was particularly special. Not just because it was the second leg of the FRAGMENTS ALL INSANE JAPAN TOUR, but because it was the comeback of Tokyo based music promoter Sadie G. After a battle with cancer and circumstances that almost led to Sadie G booking a one-way flight back to the UK- she instead has comeback in full force, putting on a return show to be remembered.

Kicking off the night with an emotive/post hardcore DJ spinning vinyl, the intimate venue started to fill up quick. Drinks flowing and the good vibes building, there was an atmosphere of an old school house party taking over. Attendees mingling, making new friends and recognising old ones, it was a space that welcomed people from all walks of life.

Once the space filled, it was time for the live music. Taking us into the night was Filipino act Novacain. While this is not a typical band that is covered by NOISE ‘N’ VISUALS, their emocore soul was present throughout their music. The smooth duo blended elements of shoegaze, synth-pop and alternative rock, to deliver a groove filled set. The perfect introduction to the nights offerings, they had the room nodding and swaying along.

Between the live music, DJ’s continued to spin and as patrons wandered between the two levels- the relaxed and friendly mood never wavered. It was then time for Ghost Party, making their debut live performance. Dipping more into the pop-punk, post-hardcore style, their set was fun and cheeky. If Novacain had as grooving, then Ghost Party had us jumping. Once again, contributing to those old school house party vibes- except the bands are 100000x better. If this was their debut, then they have a long road ahead of them.

Continuing with the live music, The Native Broadcast were up next and there is a reason this band has become a bit of a mainstay at Sadie G events. Delivering an eclectic range of heavy, original and cover music, they are a band you cannot pigeon hole or classify. Covering Nine Inch Nails and Linkin Park, but their own originals dip more into a harder pop spectrum- their set twisted and turned, keeping you on your toes. Vocalist Jay is one to impress, but he did not transcend his other two bandmates. Each held their own, strengthening each others performance- making them a force to be reckoned with.

The night took a heavier turn though with the next band, the prog-numetalcore act TheoJP. With talent to the brim, this band is one of the upcoming acts in the Tokyo scene. Hypnotic guitars and gritty vocals, TheoJP take you on a journey. With clear Thornhill, Polyphia and Deftones inspiration, combined with a more metalcore feel- there may not have been much room for a pit but they definitely inspired a lot of head banging. If their guitars don’t hook you in, then their sultry and ferocious rhythm section has to. Forging their own identity in a world of bands that are following the same formula, especially in the Tokyo scene, NNV will definitely be keeping our eye on TheoJP. 

To round out the live music for the night, the guests of honour, the headliners, FRAGMENTS all the way from the Philippines commanded the stage. With members of TheoJP filling in on the strings, this combination was lethal. Frontman Niko Cezar’s commanding presence was impossible to ignore. Subtle but confident. His vocals controlled and ferocious, his experience showed why they were the headliners. Drummer Matthew De Mesa was equally as powerful, his skill behind the kit a driving force behind this impeccable performance. Unless you knew the band prior, you would hardly believe that the members filling in were not the bands normal lineup. It was tight, clean and as if they had been playing together for years. While there was not the circle pit that the optimistic frontman asked for (not for lack of wanting, just the space was not conducive to it), the energy was there from start to finish.

Once the live music had wrapped up, it was time for a bit of Emo Karaoke and just a general after party mingle. Some people had the guts to jump up, others waited for people to make their way downstairs before stepping up to the mic. Either way, it was a great way to wrap up and blow off some steam.

Before we wrap up this review, one thing that needed to be mentioned was the powerful speech Sadie G delivered to the crowd in between two of the acts. Speaking about her journey and her battles, the heartwarming address to the crowd gave so much more meaning to the event. Speaking on community. Speaking on the power of having each others back. Addressing the support of those around her and the wonderful things that can happen when people have each others back in the scene. She also spoke about the importance of ensuring toxic and harmful people are not indulged- as these people cause so much pain, suffering and negativity- something our music communities do not need. Her experience coming down to one phrase,

“if there is a cancer, cut it out”

speaking absolute volumes and showing just how much of an incredible event Sadie G & Friends is.

The next Sadie G & Friends will take place at Shimokitazawa CREAM on the 26th of October, for a special Halloween edition.

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