Mickey Callisto
Mickey Callisto, Vanity Fairy
Mickey Callisto @ The Folklore Rooms, Brighton, UK, 7 February 2024,
February 09, 2024
Photo by Nick Roseblade
Web Exclusive
It's safe to say that Mickey Callisto it has everything. An amazing voice. The ability to write songs that mean something and a strong look. However, for some it is a bit of a novelty pop act. This is not fair. If you listen to his music, he is the embodiment of everything good about 2024. Positive. Forward thinking and, above all, fun. Yes, times are tough, but you don't have to be hard on yourself.
Vanity Fairy opened at night. Okay, now let's try to paint a picture, with words or the Vanity Fairy's 30 minute set. Musically it was 70's and 80's pop. HUGE melodies under static drum beats and heavy bass. The whole thing got on board with disco in a way that didn't seem clichéd or chintzy. Now we get to the good stuff. Vanity Fairy's appearance and stage presence. Given the retro vibes she accessorized with a red sequined kaftan, a gold lamé ribbon/wrap, red tights and red sneakers. When she took the stage she wore huge sunglasses that hid a glittering eye make-up. To say he looked like a character out of a 70s Mike Leigh movie is an understatement. In between songs, Vanity Fairy engaged with the audience. Part of this felt like a script and the other was a stream of consciousness conversation. Throughout her set, Vanity Fairy moved around the stage, in the crowd, hiding behind the curtains like a toddler playing hide and seek, knocking over a potted plant, walking down the stairs in the pub and generally making a bit of a nuisance of herself . It was more punk than cabaret. The music was stories of love, loss, redemption and acceptance. “He Can Be Your Lady” was the star of the set. The lyrics were catchy but thoughtful. The music had a Gorillaz/Goldfrapp feel to it but was completely her own and her falsetto vocals were a treat. Unfortunately the set ended as soon as it had started.
Micky Kallisto took the stage decked out in one of his trademark jumpsuits. This time it was black with red trim. As she strutted around the stage, she oozed confidence and killer tunes. Before I left to go to the concert, my six-year-old daughter asked me who I was going to see. I told her and played some of Callisto's music. After listening to a few songs, my daughter said, “Dad, tell him not to play slow. Only the fast songs.” I relayed this message to Callisto, tongue firmly in cheek, and she thankfully ignored my daughter's advice. The more upbeat songs got the crowd going more than the ballads, but there was something poignant about watching him softly play the keyboard while shouting about modern life. Near the end of his set, Callisto said he had recently quit his 9-5 job working in a phone shop and “Slave to the Man” was dedicated to his former boss and lived through successive Tory governments. After telling a hilarious story about his last day on the job. An elderly lady came in to complain that her phone wasn't working and to check that the sim card was in. Taking the phone out of her bag, Callisto had to inform her that it was actually a TV remote. “I'm not kidding” he said “It had Goodmans written on it.” The highlight of the set was “Homospace”. The crowd erupted into dancing, singing and a general feeling of camaraderie. “Homospace” sounds like this era's version of Bronski Beat's “Smalltown Boy”. “It's a song about a fake nightclub in space” said Callisto “Strangely it was inspired by the Arctic Monkeys” Tranquilutity Base Hotel and Casino but, you know, gay,” he explained. The final songs were a cover of “Hey Jude” and the debut EP closer “Lost in Space.” And then it was over. Well, almost. Someone in the crowd shouted “HOMOSPACE AGAIN! ” and he did. This time there was an emphasis on audience participation. And then it was really over.
![Mickey Callisto](https://undertheradarmag.com/uploads/review_images/Mickey2.jpg)
![Mickey Callisto](https://undertheradarmag.com/uploads/review_images/Mickey2.jpg)
Callisto's message is simple. To make you feel better about yourself on the way out than on the road. He achieves this by playing incredibly catchy songs with positive messages. When things don't go your way, try not to feel bad. Focus on what makes you happy and work hard to maintain that feeling throughout your day and life. In new song 'Take it Easy' he talks about growing up on a council estate in Sunderland and having to leave to avoid going to the same working-class club every day. And he did. You can also. Callisto is more than just an urban pop novelty. It's the real deal. As he sings on “Homospace,” “Be anything you really want.”
from our partners at http://www.undertheradarmag.com/reviews/mickey_callisto_the_folklore_rooms_brighton_uk_february_7_2024