For a while now, I've heard about this band Peelander-Z, from seperate groups of friends. Conversations usually start, "Mark, you would love this band, you totally gotta check out Peelander-Z, if they ever come back to town." That endorsement is usually followed by mysterious stories of human bowling, high energy Japanese punk rock, and Godzilla-like stage antics.
The Sunday before Halloween 2010, I got my chance to witness Peelander-Z. It was awesome. The legend held true. Did you ever hear that comp that came out in the 90's, where bands like the Ramones covered Saturday Morning Cartoon themes? Think rocking cartoon themes but with the tempo and energy turned up to 11... and you have Peelander-Z's music. Peelander-Z rocks songs with titles like "Mad Tiger", "Super Health", "Ice Cream", "Taco Taco Tacos" and more.
Intermixed between "Go! Go! Go!" rock 'n roll are the daring and funny stage antics. A giant squid entered the audience and terrorized the spectators. A leashed tiger ran through the crowd dragging a rope just above our heads. And yes, there was human bowling.
Peelander-Z reminds me of the Power Rangers if they played freaking awesome Japanese rock and roll. Each member has a different color and different characteristic. Fronting the band is the wise/insane genius of Peelander-Yellow. He fires up the songs, fuels the audience and engages in great physical comedy.
Peelander-Red is the ninja of the bunch. With his wireless guitar, Peelander-Red jumped up on the bar and shredded from his perch. Later, Peelander-Red started a congo line, wrapped the congo line around itself, then crowd surfed the bunched up audience. Awesome!!
Peelander-Green is the drummer. He strikes the drums with such propulsion, Peelander-Green is more like a heavy metal drummer, and adds ferocity to otherwise happy music. Peelander-Black is the most mysterious of the bunch. He lurks behind a Mexican wrestler mask and springs from the shadows. Peelander-Pink is the female superhero of the band. She revs up the audience with spotlights and noisemakers.
After seeing Peelander-Z, now I'm the guy telling my friends, "Next time Peelander-Z is in town, you totally gotta see them. They've got this giant red squid that jumps into the crowd, and, and..." You get what I mean? Peelander-Z has to be seen to believed.
Words and photos by Mark Ostler
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