VHS or Beta
Subterranean - Chicago
September 4th 2007

I swore I would never hope for the 80’s to return. Leg warmers, rouge cheeks, and perm mullets are enough to keep me trembling in my corner and burning any record bin with the likes of Richard Marks. But when it turns its post punk head in the likes of Kentucky brand VHS or Beta, we have to eat our words just a bit. The French side - we can do without. And while we aren’t really a fan of their most recent release Bring On the Comets, more than enough was played this night off their stellar debut Le Funk and equally impressive Night On Fire. New material like ‘Can’t Believe A Single Word’ played much better live than its studio counterpart and made us forget for a moment how much the band has quickly changed since their debut five years ago. Clean and cut, VHS or Beta rewarded a crammed room with musical apologies. Actually, we’re the ones who should be sorry for ever doubting.

While VHS or Beta may have been the big act, its arguable that opening act Walter Meego may have caused the most buzz. Their slick brand of electro-pop driven by synch samples and funk filled bass not only warmed up the crowd but many of new fans for sure. The local based duo turned trio when live sampled much from their numerous EP’s which includes a healthy dose of rock and dance that has to be heard to believe. How they haven’t made the likes of anyone’s ‘Ones To Watch’ list yet is beyond us.

images © Sean Kendall | Pensatos