Live Review: Acolyte, Figures, Flynn Effect, Enlight

Openers Enlight have fired up over the course of their brief career. Starting as a fairly low-key proggy, alternative band, they have now found their feet, found their rock and found their boldness. They are starting to kick arse as a live band, just as a good Aussie heavy-alt band should. However, at the same time, they have retained that sweet soulfulness and dynamism that makes them them. As young bands mature and grow in confidence, all of their good points become accentuated and that is where we find this band right now. Their heavy parts are becoming heavier, their melodies more ear-pleasing and their ambience more authentic. Enlight's live show has reached a new level. Oh, and the five-way vocal thing is working an absolute treat. Enlight's bassist recognising the Wurundjeri people and the fact that we stand on their land, on Australia Day eve, is a nice touch too.

Brisbane's Flynn Effect experience some brief technical difficulties early on, during their first-ever set in Melbourne, but they take it in their stride, rise above and end up putting on an excellent show. They are a female-fronted alt-rock band with a nice, big washy symphonic sound. Vocalist Tomina Vincent's voice is clear and strong as she fixes the crowd with a piercing gaze that's simultaneously engaging and a little unnerving. Ultimately, it bespeaks a supremely confident performer. This band's music sounds very alive and their live performance is highly convincing.

Figures create an enormous sound that comes at you in an ear-pleasing tsunami. They put on an enthralling, emotionally draining set of typically Aussie, proggy, alternative rock. Vocalist Mark Tronson sings as if his very life depends upon it, and screams with his entire body, while the band lock in with absolute commitment behind him. This is exactly what's required for a band like this to reach the next level; this is what people respond to: a band up on stage sweating blood for their craft and their audience. And Figures are making this happen. Oh, and their song Emoticonic is completely awesome.

Melbourne's Acolyte come on to (literally) much fanfare and proceed to beguile The Workers Club crowd with their lavish take on progressive rock. Apparently drummer Chris Cameron sprained the ankle on his kicking leg that day and vocalist Morgan-Leigh Brown is suffering a case of tonsillitis this night. Much kudos to both of them for soldiering on through these ailments, but none in the crowd would have guessed and both nail their performances with great aplomb. The lucid lines of keysman David Van Pelt remind one of an Animals-era Rick Wright (from Pink Floyd) and add so much colour, wash and vitality to an already broad palette of sound. This band is at a similar stage to where Figures are: just about ready to explode. In fact, both sound and perform like they are now in need of stadiums to play in.

It's fantastic to see all four bands featuring at least one female within their ranks.