Live Review: Miami Horror, Joy, Young Franco, Cleopold

24 August 2015 | 11:03 am | Michael Prebeg

"Positive and uplifting vibes radiate out across the room as they create '80s disco-inspired indie-electronica."

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Tonight's line-up of young, talented, homegrown indie-electronic artists is nothing short of spectacular. Cleopold kicks things off with a fresh and vibrant performance full of striking beats and smooth vocals.

Between each set Young Franco keeps the energy alive. His infectious enthusiasm gets us dancing as he blends together a string of non-stop nu-disco, house and electro floor fillers.

Joy gives a stunning performance with her effortless soft and sweet vocals to create a dreamy atmosphere. Her entrancing presence has a soothing effect as we're swept away by her honest and emotional lyrics.

Miami Horror return to their hometown stage and launch straight into their impressive new material. The first track taken from their second album All Possible Futures is the delightful American Dream, which perfectly sums up their recent US tour. They're proud to be back on the same stage almost a year after they gave us a taste of their new material and this time around they've refined and tightened up their set.

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The stage bursts with colourful retro patterns and neon lights as the full live band gets into the swing with old favourites I Look To You and Moon Theory. Positive and uplifting vibes radiate out across the room as they create '80s disco-inspired indie-electronica.

The band has collaborated with a stack of vocalists but for tonight Josh Moriarty and Aaron Shanahan share the microphone while they bust out some eccentric guitar moves. Together they create an exciting and highly energetic performance, instantly putting us in a good mood. Their latest single Cellophane (So Cruel) is no exception with catchy choruses and a groovy beat to keep us moving along to.

They bring out their support act and fellow collaborator Cleopold to help them out on vocals for the fun-filled synth-pop tune Love Like Mine. Taking a moment to break things down, an instrumental changes the pace as Moriarty climbs around the stage equipment and dangles from the lighting rig before getting up close and flirting with the audience in the mosh pit.

Their contagious dance rhythms and sun-soaked melodies continue with popular Illumination tracks including Summersun, Holiday and Sometimes. Shanahan leaps out into the crowd for the final song and encourages everyone to join him in getting down really low before the last chorus. Right on cue we all jump up as high as we can for one more singalong, crowding around his microphone with hands raised high above our heads.