Back in San Diego and louder than ever, Anamanaguchi hit the Casbah on their Buckwild Tour, bringing a bold new energy in support of their fourth album, Anyway. Known for their glitchy chiptune roots and pixelated punk ethos, the NYC quartet is now blending their signature sound with Midwest emo tones, full-band vocals, and a heavier emotional pull.
They kicked off the night with Anyway’s opener, “Sparkler” A fitting launch that set the tone with emotional charge and full throttle instrumentation. By the time the band hit full rock mode, drummer Luke was an unleashed force, driving the rhythm with precision and fire. The stage setup matched the chaos: neon tubes and rope lights snaking around amps and drum kits like DIY circuitry gone rogue.
Seamless transitions from fan favorite 8-bit bangers to the new era. We were guided smoothly by vocalist and guitarist Peter, who served as both narrator and ringleader. New track “Magnet” ignited the night’s first mosh pit, James bass riffs are groovy. As they glide into the nostalgic “Airbrushed,” the crowd bounces and breathes before circling back to the high octane Anyway material. One of the night’s curveballs and highlights was their cover of Mario Judah’s “I Miss the Rage.” It was a fever dream of shimmering builds and crashing high pitched drops, made even more surreal by glow sticks soaring across the room.
For their third act, a surprise collaboration with opener Celine from Sobs brought a raw emotional peak. Her performance for “On My Own” was gut punch powerful, with fans screaming along and even hoisting the rope lighting overhead like we were part of the show itself.
They closed with the essentials: “Miku,” “Prom Night,” and a face-melting “Endless Fantasy.” Guitarist Ary absolutely shredding through the final notes. While a few favorites like “Air On Line” and “Meow” didn’t make the cut, the spirit of Anyway; analog grit, heartfelt chaos, and all was alive and well at the Casbah.
Anamanaguchi isn’t just evolving, they’re thriving.
📸/✍️: Ricardo Arriaga @aurorealis64