Devo - Hardcore Devo Live!

Hardcore Devo Live! Is a quintessential experience, a concert film that captivates and fully immerses you in the world of Devo from start to finish. Released in 2015, it captures a live performance delivered by the American new wave band, Devo, in Oakland, California. The film is not just another music concert film; it's a tribute to the band's earliest and most outlandish material, showcasing a remarkable stage performance that perfectly encapsulates the concept of the 'Devo' experience. Hardcore Devo Live! provides a fascinating look at the roots and evolution of an influential band with its edgy style, appropriately strange oddball antics, and ahead-of-their-time social commentary music.

The film successfully caters to Devo's fans and newcomers alike. The concert is primarily a tribute to the late Robert 'Bob 2' Casale, a founding member of Devo, who had unexpectedly passed away just months before this tribute was captured. To add a more emotional dimension and pay homage to their lost comrade, the members of Devo — Mark Mothersbaugh, Gerald Casale, Bob Mothersbaugh, and Josh Freese went to the roots of Devo's unique discography. It's a bittersweet recollection of a band remembering their friend while allowing audiences to take a peek into the beginning stages of their musical journey.

Fans of Devo will be elated and touched to see the band's heartfelt tribute to a late member, all while demonstrating why they remain such an enduring and beloved act. The performance harks back to their nascent period from 1974 - 1977. In a departure from the glossy production of their 80s pop hits, the film mirrors the raw, unrefined, and archaic sound that marked the band's inception. But it does not restrict itself to the music alone; the visuals are equally groundbreaking, creating an immersive experience that can only be described as a 'collision of music and visuals'.

The film also gives us a vivid glimpse of the band members, their off-stage antics, quick interviews, backstage conversations, and their shared grief and remembrance for their late colleague, making the viewer feel a sense of inclusion with the band.

The performances range from loud and vivacious to poignant and melodic, with the band transitioning seamlessly between these spectrums. Mark Mothersbaugh's lead vocals shine brightly as he delivers his lines with a poignant intensity, reminding us of why he is so revered as a musician. Equally prominent, Gerald Casale's bass-anchored melodies and unique vocals cover a spectrum from haunting to rabidly frantic. Bob Mothersbaugh's antics, guitar work, and backing vocals perfectly complement the frontmen's zany energy, and Josh Freese's steady drum beats provide the backbone for the band's sonic madness.

Hardcore Devo Live! does a phenomenal job encapsulating the band's idiosyncratic charm, unique thematic elements, and characteristic energy, all while showing how they have managed to stay relevant over the years by consistently breaking norms and defying expectations. Their bizarre costumes, dynamic stage design, and most significantly, their singular music style- all of it is vastly different from the usual and absolutely unforgettable.

The film is raw, unfiltered, and with a clear directive - to pay a fitting tribute to a departed mate while regaling fans with their music. Their hardcore tracks like "Mongoloid," "Jocko Homo," and "Gut Feeling" have been rendered with an intensity that matches or even surpasses their original recordings. As the band powers through the setlist, audience members join in, creating an interactive and electrifying atmosphere that few concert films manage to achieve.

The energy on stage is infectious. Even if you're not previously familiar with Devo's work, you'll find yourself tapping along to the memorable, and often surreal, tunes. Indicating the sheer dedication and love for their music, every song is a performance in itself. They play like it was their last concert, treating fans to an unprecedented evening of music and entertainment.

Hardcore Devo Live! is a testament to the band's dynamism, creativity, and resilience. It serves as a musical time capsule that captures not just music but also the emotions of a band that's experienced soaring highs and devastating lows. A must-watch for music lovers and Devo fans, this movie concert is more than just a tribute; it's a celebration of music, friendship, and enduring legacy.