This effusive documentary explodes onto the screen as it chronicles the remarkable rise and staying power of the 80s new-wave band behind ‘Whip It’.

Artpop-punk electronic adventurers DEVO – iconic for their upturned flowerpot hats and kooky space-age smocks – formed in the late 70s as a response to an America that seemed to be spiralling out of control. The pushback against the Vietnam War had led to the infamous Kent State University massacre by the National Guard, shaking up then-students Gerald Casale, Bob Lewis and Mark Mothersbaugh. The performance-art pep of their ‘de-evolution’ music was their response to these helter-skelter days, eventually drawing in Mothersbaugh’s brothers Bob and Jim to an out-there band with a revolving-door line-up. Beloved by Brian Eno and David Bowie, DEVO burned bright and fast.

Director Chris Smith (Fyre; Collapse, MIFF 2009) captures DEVO’s eccentric joie de vivre – kitschy images, exuberant music and frank, unbridled commentary abound, all wrapped up in a package at once Dada-esque and with deadpan humour. A crowd favourite at Sundance, this energetic portrait will appeal to DEVO fans and the musically curious alike.

“Packaged in a dizzying barrage of imaginative visuals and infectious music that’s almost overwhelming — in the best possible way.” – Hollywood Reporter

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