Live Review: Haiku Hands, Tasman Keith, Flex Mami

Opening the night is a DJ set from Flex Mami, and it’s pretty much exactly what you want to set up an Australian hip hop show. We get the Sicko Modes and the Mo Bambas, but bustling is not how we would describe the dancefloor, the crowd mingling silently at the back of the room instead. 

Regardless, while it may seem no one came here to dance, Tasman Keith isn’t going to let that stop him. Constantly having to remind the crowd to take just that little step forward, Keith wilds out on his own half the time. With his set closing as he jumps into the crowd for some phone light-guided moshing, at least five punters show some love.

As Haiku Hands start their set, it seems like crowd numbers have quadrupled. The first thing we hear is a foreboding robot voice and swirling synths as strobes begin to make the room seem to flip upside down. The explosion of energy is palpable both on stage and off when the four gals strut on stage. Choreographed moves, animated outfits and staunch attitude are staples of the Haiku Hands live show. 

With only a handful of singles to their name, it’s expected that we are going to be getting some value out the show, hearing some of their next tunas early. But we need familiarity at some point, megatune Jupiter giving us a much-needed grounding in the sea of bangers. Having only just released bass-heavy Dare You Not To Dance today, it’s safe to say none of us are across the lyrics just yet. But after experiencing the grinding and sweating that the rave beat brings out of people, we are now megafans of the new tune. Closing their set with career kickstarting single Not About You, we’re sad to see the gang leave without even an encore, and after only a short 50-minute set. Albeit it’s 50 minutes without interruptions and almost a punk attitude in their stage show: Haiku Hands are a balls-to-the-wall dance party that doesn’t open the door for anyone, and we’re sweaty.