The concert at O2 Liverpool Academy One was a sonic journey through various synth-driven styles, featuring three distinctly unique acts: Zetra, Gost, and HEALTH.
The night opened with Zetra, a British new wave synth-rock duo. Their stage setup was mysterious, featuring a portal-like backdrop that seemed to hint at another world. This theatricality was enhanced by their gothic makeup and attire, including chains on the microphones, capes, and one member donning a tail. The atmosphere evoked an alien, futuristic concept reminiscent of a dark video game. Their sound, a unique blend of the synth tones of Gary Numan and the more pop-oriented elements of the Pet Shop Boys, but with a gothic edge, was a key element of their performance.
Zetra’s music was synth and guitar-led, while the drums and other instruments were handled through a backing track. Their on-stage movements were equally immersive, including when the band members knelt in a prayer-like posture, creating a ritualistic energy, as synths played and a voice loomed in the background. The dark, gospel-like aesthetic, combined with Scandinavian black metal influences, added a layer of ambiguity, leaving the audience to interpret their meaning freely, a compelling concept for such a theatrical act.
Next up was the Texas-based Gost, whose cyberpunk dark synth-wave, or ‘slasherwave,’ ratcheted up the intensity of the evening. The sinister and aggressive synth-driven sound was punctuated by satanic imagery and voiceovers that spoke of murder and rituals, echoing the 80s horror films that inspire their music, such as A Nightmare on Elm Street. Their sixth album, Prophecy, which delves into religious and political overreach, found its expression in the apocalyptic aspect of the performance.
The stage was bathed in red and black lighting, emphasising the satanic overtones. With the keyboard player dressed in leather and wearing a skull mask, akin to the cartoon villain Skeletor, the visuals were as engaging as the soundscapes, which were mainly instrumental but interspersed with 80s-inspired vocals. Gost’s sound was an evolving blend of wavering synths, high-energy beats, and an overall techno feel that had the crowd cheering by the end of the set, perfectly priming the audience for the headliners.
Finally, HEALTH took the stage, capping off the night with its signature abrasive, atmospheric, and dystopian sound. Hailing from Los Angeles and with nearly two decades of music-making under their belts, HEALTH’s performance was a masterclass in experimental rock and synthwave. Before the band even appeared, the intro song, ACruelAngel’sThesis by Yoko Takahashi, teased the audience, building anticipation.
As a band, they have collaborated with other artists in their albums DISCO4 :: PART I and DISCO4 :: PART II, working with notable names like Poppy, Nine Inch Nails, and Lamb of God. Influenced by Nine Inch Nails and electronic producer SWARM, their music fits seamlessly into the futuristic and dystopian worlds explored in Max Payne 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 video games. They even contributed the iconic song Blue Monday to the movie Atomic Blonde, bringing a moody and intense feel that aligns perfectly with their industrial theme.
Opening with IDENTITY, the band immediately demonstrated their heavy reliance on rhythm, with thunderous drumming as a central focus. Throughout their set, lighting shifted between black, white, red, purple, and green, setting a dystopian tone in sync with their abrasive yet moody sound. Tracks like HATEFUL highlighted the band’s emotional intensity, igniting a wave of energy from the crowd, with enthusiastic cheers and woos echoing back at the band. The performance hit a snag during ZOOTHORNS due to technical difficulties. Drummer Benjamin Miller’s in-ear monitors malfunctioned, but the crowd rallied behind the band, and the performance continued without losing momentum and missing a beat.
One of the evening’s highlights was the intricate DEMIGODS. Jake Duzsik’s soft yet commanding vocals intertwined with gritty synth beats, exploring themes of power and control. The song’s outro featured Tyler Bates, renowned for his work on the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack, adding a cinematic flair to the performance. Another underscore was the band’s cover of Deftones’ Be Quiet and Drive. HEALTH infused the classic with their signature style, amplifying its brooding and atmospheric elements and reinforcing their identity as experimental rock innovators. The emotionally raw ASHAMED followed, showcasing melodic elements intertwined with abrasive instrumentation. The blue lighting cast a sombre glow over the audience, who responded with a wave of claps, highlighting the connection between the band and their fans.
The night reached its height with the closing track DSM-V, a fittingly intense end to the set. In a display of gratitude, bassist and keyboardist John Famiglietti jumped into the crowd, hugging fans and taking photos, a personal moment to conclude the high-energy show.
The evening was not just a concert but a fully immersive experience. Each band entertained and invited the audience into their worlds, from Zetra’s gothic mysticism to Gost’s cyberpunk horror and, finally, HEALTH’s dystopian, industrial rock. The combination of musical and visual intensity left the crowd in amazement. It was a night that truly showcased the power of synth-based music to transport and captivate.
Zena Morris
