Being able to go to gigs regularly is something I sorely miss about living in London. Over here, you get the good artists coming to town, but at a price that makes you want to gag. $160 for the Chemical Brothers show? Erm, I don't think so. So naturally, as a poor and lowly backpacker, its been something lacking in my life for the past 8 months. And how glad was I that I got to to go the two Mount Kimbie shows in Sydney? Very.
Lauren + "Post dubstep"...or whatever you want to call it
It only goes to show what I firmly believe, that with music it's quite often a case of right place and right time. There are so many bands I have listened to that I hated at first, then a few years down the line, when my tastes have changed, I am officially obsessed. When first introduced to Mount Kimbie over a year ago, I didn't get it. Refused to even give it a go. But when I found out I knew the guys, I decided I shouldn't give up just yet. So away on my travels I go, and I got hold of their debut album, Crooks and Lovers, but didn't listen to it until I found the perfect opportunity. Recommended time and place if you haven't found it already: a beautiful beach at sunset. Fondling the sand and swirling it in my palms as I always do, the album put me in a wonderfully contemplative headspace. It was perfect. The airy whispering synths complimented the sound of the waves perfectly. The emotive vocal samples in songs like Before I Move Off really pulled me in, the way that only vocals really can, but the deep bass heavy vibrations of tracks like Mayor are what keep me hooked. There's nothing I like more than an album that can satisfy many of my musical needs in a mere 40 minutes. Good job boys.
2 nights in Sydney
The first night was in Good God Small Club, a converted salsa club with a weirdly clean and Mediterranean feel considering its meant to be the dingy cool place to see live gigs in Sydney. Being the first time I have seen them, I thought it was amazing. I didn't expect guitars and drum kits or singing that's for sure. They played cracking new songs and cleverly adapted old favourites, proving their versatility and willingness to adapt their sound to suit a live show.
The second gig was at the Oxford Arts Factory, and absolutely blew me away. The venue was bigger, and packed to the rafters with pumped up ravers all screaming in appreciation. Lots of extra bass and a few vodkas saw me hanging off the balcony miming the imaginary words of the Alliyah sample, never wanting it to end. I had an unrivaled view of all the fans waving their hands and surging at every drop, it's one of my favourite feelings at a gig to see so many people unified in their appreciation for good music. I can really say without any bias whatsoever, that it was one of the best live shows I have seen. Ok, so I am a little biased ;) but I challenge anyone to disagree with me!!!
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