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Imagine walking through a series of labyrinths with no end in sight. A cycle of life where everything is not what it seems. Hanging on to the hope of finally being able to see a land filled with sunshine and smiles, the happy place at the end of the rainbow. But sometimes it’s not the end that matters, more importantly, it’s the journey of reaching it.

Perhaps that is the message that Zeke and The Popo was trying to convey at their “Space in The Headlines” concert last Saturday night at Goethe Haus. Walking into the auditorium, you were left to wonder why exactly there was a sofa and an old television set on the stage. But, you didn’t have to muse for very long, for as soon as the house lights went down, the intention was clear.

A man in a suit with a machine head came onto the stage. He is appropriately named ‘Tank-Face’ and looks very much like the one depicted on the cover of their album. His presence, as well as the visual art on the projector screen above, signaled the beginning of what would become a feast for the eyes, ears and minds of everyone who was there that night. They provide a theatrical concept of music, an experience in itself.

After First Act Gun as their first song, Zeke and The Popo quickly launched into the haunting yet beautiful, Unrescued World. It was then followed by renditions of C Song Subtext, 1.1 Trillion Woodcutters, and I Novel, four songs that were performed brilliantly. The band played with each note, each sound perfectly combined with the act of Tank Face showing frustration at all of his imperfections.

Profesor Komodo particularly entertained the crowd and is the first single coming out from their album, Space in The Headlines. It was a performance filled with a plethora of musical colours.
(This) Mighty Love showcased a lighter side of the band. Where all of a sudden a pink-coloured ‘Pigmallion’ suddenly danced around the auditorium during the performance. A cheerful but cheeky, tongue-in-cheek side of a band made up of veterans from the indie world.

Through-out the performance, the audience could gradually see the high level of musicality from each member of the group, Zeke with his haunting vocals and piano playing, Leo with his guitar and beatnik bongos, Yudi keeping time with his steady bass and the guitar distortion expertise of Iman Fattah.

Hearing the music of Zeke and The Popo is an experience. Seeing them live, though? It’s an adventure.
So remember the name, buy the album and see the rise of Zeke and The Popo onto a deservingly bigger platform!