LIVE REVIEW: UNCLE ACID AND THE DEADBEATS @ THE MASQUERADE – HEAVEN, ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 9, 2026

English rockers Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats along with Italian tourmates Messa, graced the stage at Atlanta, Georgia’s iconic Masquerade “Heaven” showroom on September 9th in a masterclass of beautiful brutality. Relatively fresh into the North American Tour and with no opening acts, Uncle Acid and Messa proved that no support was needed as they captured the attention, ears, and aura of the room for the entirety of the night.

Opening the show, Italy’s very own Messa brought their signature brand of “Scarlet Doom” to a hungry and energetic audience. An imposing backdrop with a simple motif of their name against a blackened stage with strategically reduced lighting set the mood as the band took the stage. Led by drummer Rocco Toaldo and anchored by the always enthralling Sara Bianchin, Messa took the stage with all the enigma and energy one would expect. Mood lighting, a wall of Hiwatt amplifiers, and the confidence of a group of musicians in full sync with one another brought an almost electric feeling of anticipation that would deliver in spades.

Wasting no time before getting into fan favorites, the audience was given the pleasure of hearing a version of “The Dress” that began as expected and quickly shifted gears as guitarist Alberto Piccolo dove headfirst into the jazzy depths the band has become well known for. While not deviating to the point of feeling like an open jam session, Alberto was able to dissolve the boundaries of expectations without feeling lost or uncomfortable for even a moment. Bassist Marco Zanin masterfully held the groove and composition glued together using various synth and external equipment to fill the room with a blanket of sound.

Following with songs such as “Immolation” and “Reveal” from their newest album “The Spin”, Messa proved they were more than able to hold their own while touring halfway around the world from their home. The interactions between Sara and the audience throughout the night offered not only a small glimpse into the appreciation Messa has for their fans, but it also served as the perfect conduit for the band to return the favor.

Displaying the musical prowess and emotionality they have become synonymous with, Messa proved that the voice, jazz inspired soul, entrancing rhythm, and enveloping bass was much more than studio trickery, proving they deserve every ounce of appreciation and respect they’ve earned since the 2016 Belfry debut album. Finishing the set with classics from each of their albums, Messa set the mood and expectation for what the audience was about to experience.

After a relatively quick change over, the room immediately fell under an electric trance as the entire stage was turned into an homage to 60’s B-movie and biker aesthetic as projectors and lights transformed the venue into a momentary movie theater. With ever changing and modulating lights and psychedelic imagery, the stage was set for Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats to bring their horror tainted brand of retro rock to an audience hungry for the impending sonic violence.

Starting off with “Nothing to Lose” and attacking the stage with the full intention of that very statement, vocalist Kevin Starrs, rhythm guitarist George Hudson, bassist Justin Smith, and drummer Jon Rice began in a tight inward facing circle; slowly building the tension and locking in with each other before turning to reveal themselves to the crowd once the song opened into its own, pulling the entire building into a unified “cosmic nod” that would keep the entire venue in a low level hypnotic state.

Blazing through cult favorites from their earliest albums such as “Blood Lust”, “Mind Control”, and “The Night Creeper” one song began blending into another, reminiscent of the frenetic mind of the very sonic depravity Uncle Acid is known for. While only playing through what would be considered “small” combo amps and 60’s style instruments, the sound slowly began to creep (pun intended) upward until every atom in the vicinity was locking into a sympathetic vibration. Haunting vocal harmonies, acrobatic solos, and a cohesion that would make Elmer’s glue jealous, Uncle Acid proved their longevity is no fluke.

For older fans and fans of the obscure in general, Uncle Acid did not disappoint as they even brought a baritone saxophone to the stage. Current member Rachel Burnett (keyboards, saxophone, and vocals) added a rich layer to the already engulfing sound, seamlessly blending piano/keys with the horn. While that might seem like an odd combination, it came off without a hitch and brought the energy to a fevered pitch, which was soon broken as they unleashed “Pusher Man” on a frenetic audience. A classic from 2015’s “The Night Creeper”, the crowd began singing in chorus, arms in the air, squeezing every last ounce of air out of the room.

Serving as a turning point in the night, the members of the band became noticeably more animated, seemingly under a trance and pushing to leave it all on the stage. The solos got bigger, the drumming got louder, the bass swallowed the room, and the audience surged forward as everyone involved became a single organism, reveling in the horror of great music played by a band who’s able to execute with the precision and glory of Jack the Ripper himself (another well intended pun). The delivery only got more intense until the noise died and the house lights came on and snapped everyone in attendance back into reality as if falling back out of a psychosis.

Cathartic, manic, powerful, and yet beautiful at the same time. While many weekday shows can feel underwhelming and almost as if they’re live action rehearsals, Uncle Acid and Messa brought their A-game to the ATL and proved why they deserve to be circling the globe, bringing the masses the experience of two European powerhouses ready to entrance, annihilate, and blow the doors off any venue and fan willing to experience them. If you have the chance, check your calendar and make the travel plans. Any fan of classic rock, jazz, 60’s horror, goth, and punk will find what they’re looking for on any stage they’re fortunate enough to grace.

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Live photography by Aleksandra Anderberg for No Flash Needed. © 2026 No Flash Needed. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without written permission.