Live Report: Man/Woman/Chainsaw bring thrilling whimsy to SXSW 2025

Man/Woman/Chainsaw are chaotic elegance. A whimsical soirée that is punctuated by DMT flashbacks that hurl you in all directions.

What contributes so favourably to the group’s pandemonium is the sheer number of members. Man/Woman/Chainsaw are Billy Ward (vocals, guitars), Emmie-Mae Avery (vocals,keys/synths), Vera Leppänen (vocals, bass), Clio Starwood (violin), Billy Doyle (Guitar), and Lola Cherry (drums).

The Londoners delight in mishaps on stage, smiling and laughing openly during songs. This care free abandon to enjoyment of the performance, rather than perfection only endears them further.

A romantic element to their tracks are infused by Starwood’s unforgettable violin and vocal delivery of Vera and Emmie-Mae. There’s a melancholy and heartbreak that shines through amongst the bedlam that often breaks out during their set.

The band released their debut EP, Eazy Peazy, in November with Fat Possum Records. Recorded with Gilla Band’s Daniel Fox, who produced the Sprints and Silverbacks LP’s, if this outstanding EP is any indication of a future album release, we are in for a record of the year contender.