It’s been over three years since Comanechi played Toronto, but that last gig, for NXNE 2010, was unforgettable. In a shiny, fringed leotard, drummer/vocalist Akiko “Keex” Matsuura climbed over drums, stood on amps and scream-sang in our faces while guitarist Simon Petrovitch churned out noisy, punky riffs from the shadows.
The UK noise band, now a trio with drummer Charlie Heaton, seem to live for the stage, though their albums also capture their bonkers ferocity and sleaze-metal-tinged sludge. Their second full-length, You Owe Me Nothing But Love (Tigertrap/Fast Weapons), came out in February, and a split 7-inch with Female Smell is on its way.
Matsuura spoke to us over the phone from her home in East London ahead of Comanechi’s show Friday (September 27) at the Silver Dollar (486 Spadina).
I read that you named your band after the gymnast Nadia Comaneci. Is the leotard you wear onstage a nod to her?
No, it’s not. I wear all sorts of outfits: fruit, tinsels, nothing and everything. Comanechi isn’t named literally after her. It’s from the famous Japanese comedian/director Takeshi Kitano’s joke that everyone in Japan knows, and that joke is [about] Nadia Comaneci.
Most UK bands don’t ever get to Canada, so it’s great to see you making the effort.
Thank you. It’s important to get out of a routine. It’s important to share. Without our Canadian promoter, Dan Burke, playing in Canada wouldn’t have happened. We both took big risks and worked very hard to make it happen.
What are the challenges involved in crossing the pond?
Money. It’s the main thing that gets in the way. Everyone would be touring abroad if they had the money.
You Owe Me Nothing But Love has been out for a bit now, but are you still in love with the songs?
They’re like children. I’m a very proud mum producing every one of them. Sometimes you spoil one. Sometimes they rebel. Sometimes you just want to kick them the fuck out.
What were your goals when you were heading into the studio?
Be better, perform better, write better.
What’s up next?
Be better, perform better, write better.
