Mandek Penha’s Toff in Town Residency

Overview

If you don't know Mandek Penha, then you should probably stop reading and just go to the gig. They are one of those acts that needs to be seen before they make any sense — but I'll try.

This video might be some help, too.

They're a cult band that worships The Father, whose dominion, South Sarra, is accessible through a portal orbiting above North Korea. They express their love through song, usually falling somewhere in between noisepop and punk rock, with a bit of electronic folk in there somewhere too.

Led by the Current Earthly Embodiment (CEE) and his first bride, Mandek Penha sing religious songs of sexual inquest, religious tradition, and most of all their love for the Next Earthly Embodiment (NEE) — a 12-year-old girl in a freaky mask who has a penchant for crying onstage. There's also the odd cover version in there as a special treat.

Beginning a month-long residency at the Toff in Town, Mandek's weird blend of hilarious showmanship, complex songwriting and eye-widening religious spectacle is unmatched on the Melbourne live music scene today: it must be experienced. Good thing they're playing on three Mondays this month.