Live Review: Cameo
By: Becky Firesheets

Rating: 8.5/11

Hypernova, a group of four young men hailing from Iran, specializes in loud, aggressive rock-and-roll with a strong beat perfect for knee jerking. Recently at Cameo, a new art and music space in Williamsburg, lead vocalist Raam captivated his audience from the beginning with his controlled, baritone voice, impeccable style and rock star aura. Solid rhythm guitar and driving bass lines, combined with guitarist Kodi’s electro effects and classic rock solos, made Hypernova’s music full, detailed and exciting. With a strong emphasis placed on percussion, drummer Kami worked overtime busting out fast-paced fills and maintaining a steady dance beat while shouting back up vocals. Every now and then another member would grab a pair of sticks and bang along on a cymbal or a tom-tom, thrashing his head while playing the additional beat with full force. In fact, all four members rocked to the extreme, their amps turned up loud and their energy even louder.

Reminiscent of Interpol’s style, Hypernova played with a very tight sound, at times playing the same pattern on all instruments before switching to more detailed, individual passages. This technique worked well for them, creating a sense that each repetition of the riff was bringing the band closer and closer to explosion. Then at the perfect moment they backed off, leaving a sense in the air that danger was always close but Hypernova could manage to avoid it.

In song “Viva La Resistance,” the band explored their political side, singing lyrics like, “You can burn down my house, take what you want, but you’ll never succeed.” Many other songs also focused on dark material, the music reflecting the sense of impending doom from the lyrics yet still retaining an upbeat, dancey vibe. Hypernova’s words, compositions and all-out playing style rubbed off, as the crowd gravitated closer to the stage and more peopled danced to each song.

Not only does Hypernova know how to play but they also know how to act like rockers. Their mod outfits, cool dance moves and badass-but-still-nice-guy attitude made an immediate impression, followed through to their final notes. But the clothes or moves aren’t just an act; these guys are real. And despite the write-ups from MTV, The New York Times and ABC News, Hypernova remains all about the music.