Live Review: Cloud Control, Palm Ups, Gang Of Youths

First to take the stage was a relatively new local bunch that go by the name of Gang Of Youths. They played with a lot of enthusiasm despite their urgent, operatic rock failing to move a fairly small crowd gathered early (granted, the playing times were brought forward probably because of the 'all ages' tag), but there's plenty of time for them to get better and play to bigger crowds.

Bridging the gap between garage rock and pop was other local group Palms, made up of ex-members of Red Riders. Looking every bit the frontman, human mop Alex Grigg made the most of their short set, running through a number of songs that sounded a mix between the likes of Rancid and the Greenhornes, and even a little bit of '90s-era Weezer. Heaps of fun, the track Love got the biggest response, and that live vocal in the chorus was pretty impressive.

Continent-hopping and jet lag are no stranger to Cloud Control, who returned from their current home in the UK only a few weeks after their well-received show at this year's Splendour event. Looking seasoned beyond their respective ages, Al Wright, siblings Heidi and Ulrich Lenffer, and some guy named Jeremy Kelshaw made the sold-out event one to remember, playing a mix of songs from their just released second pop record Dream Cave, among other crowd favourites.

From a production perspective, there was a notable effort put into the lighting and sound, particularly given the new tracks – which were at risk of sounding a little empty given the layering techniques used – were well complemented by both. Yes, the sound and light people certainly earned their stripes on the night. Of note song-wise was Gold Canary (a break-up song; it has to be – listen to the lyrics), the latest single Scar, the new album's first single Dojo Rising (which opened the set) and Moon Rabbit (a personal favourite which sounded shit awesome live). The band also played what has become a fan favourite in Kid Cudi's Pursuit Of Happiness and, although not totally unpredictable, it was a well-rounded set overall.