Live Review: Future Islands, Curse Ov Dialect

It’s funny how life is all cycles; honestly fashion, political development and your dad never being cool? How do you amalgamate all of those unknowns and prior experiences into any scenario? Well this historic occurrence at the award winning Governor Hindmarsh did not change the world, it grew a lifestyle. Well, maybe just in Adelaide.

A wonderful elderly couple greeted this writer early to say: “Whilst in Coles, I discovered a song then knew that I had to buy tickets to this show”. No bad publicity is a bad thing, right?

Said “couple” disappeared very promptly at the appearance of hip-hop troupe Cult Ov Dialect, why? This was insanity; in the best value possible. A “Homy” Smurf, A GarBag Power Ranger, Baboon with V for Vendetta mask and a DJ very reminiscent of Mohinder Suresh (Heroes TV series reference for the unknown) tore apart what was The Gov.

Aussie Hip-Hop was the name of the game, with the craziness of Insane Clown Posse, but with elegance and circus-value. F**k it throw in some political rants too. Twisted Strangers was explosive, the rest of the scenario was beautifully politically driven and this scribe feels better for it. Why isn’t this band on every festival in Australia? Cinematically exceptional, musically questionable (perfectly imperfect); a hip-hop outfit entitled Terra Firma are the only comparison I have musically, but Cult had the theatrics and politics. FUCK RACISM; WE Agree! The stage wasn’t big enough for them; maybe the world isn’t either.

Four visits to Australia in just a couple of years equates to a band in demand; justification for this occurred when the four merry men of Boston’s synth-pop mecca Future Islands ascended onto the Gov’s smoky stage. A deafening scream for frontman Samuel Herring paralleled remarkably a destiny of greatness and there was no iota of disappointment. Sure, there is no doubt of this vocalist’s comparison to the great Joy Division’s Ian Curtis, especially with his erratic dance moves and odd growling techniques. But his interaction that he bestows upon himself as necessity would impress future president candidates and this notion was quickly attended to during Back In The Tall Grass. An odd character to say the least; somewhat reminiscent to watching your strange uncle really get into “modern” bands but has the dancing response of Napoleon Dynamite; it is his conviction and emotive delivery which really captivates anyone. Not only is he singing the words he believes in, HE IS TELLING THEM TO YOU.

It’s an earnestness and principle unmatched as far as this writer is concerned. Sun In The Morning, Doves, Light House, Seasons, Fall From Grace and Little Dreamer raised the temperature of the room quite literally and the infection of the music created a dance floor rivalling salsa club standards (an individual named Jose in the crowd could just be the next winner of So You Think You Can Dance). Appropriately an encore was embraced; as were some slower ballads (decelerating an incredible momentum) which most likely authored some very emotive reactions from a capacity and willing audience. However, the exceptional nature of certitude by Mr. Herring could not be questioned. 

It may have taken four albums to get to this status for Future Islands; but in inevitability: “The best is yet to come”. Australia once again as seasons change “will be waiting on you” and obviously (plus thankfully) not too long.