Live Review: Years & Years, Panama

27 July 2015 | 2:31 pm | Mick Radojkovic

"The popularity of each song could be measured by the screams (and Snapchats) from the adoring fans."

While punters were clambering through mud and battling a lack of sleep at the last night of Splendour, Metro Theatre was dry but filled to the brim for a sideshow from two fun young bands from opposite sides of the planet.

From Sydney, Panama started the night with their smooth dance and pop-rock-infused tunes: inoffensive, fun and catchy, without being ground-breaking. Anyone signed to Future Classic has a promising future and this duo is no different. Live keys and drums on stage will go a long way in giving them an edge over other electronic duos. Finishing with their recognisable hit, Always, Panama left a good tune to ring in our ears as we waited for the main act.

Hard work pays off in the music industry and while we may not have heard of Years & Years five years ago, that's when they started their trek to the top, and the top is where they are right now.

Having had gear issues at Splendour, the band were determined to make up for it tonight. Singer Olly Alexander's boyish charm and modesty were delightful. He genuinely seemed to be having fun, along with the other three members of the band. The upgrade to the Metro from OAF was a good move as Alexander (and the sold-out crowd) had room to move for the exuberant dancing.

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The popularity of each song could be measured by the screams (and Snapchats) from the adoring fans. Desire got a big pop, but following song, Worship, delivered an even better vibe. At times, Alexander's vocals were lost to the overbearing electronics, but we could still hear the quality of his falsetto when it mattered, especially in the quieter numbers, like Eyes Shut.

As the 60-minute set rounded out with their encore of King, the jubilant crowd dispersed reluctantly. A fun way to spend a Sunday evening and certain to be another rung on Years & Years' ladder to international stardom. Electro-pop is not everyone's cup of tea, but you can appreciate the fun to be had by those that indulge.