Review: Peelander-Z at Third Room

I first encountered Peelander-Z in 2007 at a small Brooklyn venue, long before the name carried much weight beyond the local scene. I had no expectations — and was completely blown away. Dressed in color-coded costumes reminiscent of the Power Rangers, the band tore across the stage in a chaotic frenzy, propelling the crowd into its wild, participatory spectacle. 

Over the next few years, I caught multiple shows and sang the praises of Peelander-Z with evangelical enthusiasm. The band and I both eventually relocated to different cities, and the opportunities to see them live dwindled. So when I heard Peelander-Z was playing at Third Room on May 26 — with only about a week’s notice — I was ecstatic. Still, I wondered: could it live up to those mythic early memories?

The now drummerless trio took the stage in street clothes, tore through a single punk burst, thanked the crowd, and abruptly walked off as if the show were over — undoubtedly leaving many in the room unsure of what they'd just witnessed. Only pictures are suitable to explain the unpretentious joy that followed.

(Photos by Jonny Leather)