Live Review: ADKOB, Halycon Drive, World Wild

It's not often you listen to an opening band that possibly bring the most energy out of the entire line-up. Sydney-based electronic/pop band World Wild opened with an explosive enthusiasm that rattled even those in the corners of the room. Frontman Jarrad Lee Jackson triumphantly led the five-piece band through tracks that curiously blend '80s party synth with bittersweet, punk vocals. The result is a sound that can only be described as dance music with guts.

Next up were Halcyon Drive, a three-piece out of Melbourne currently touring their recently released EP Untethered (2016). Having evolved their alternative-pop sound and adding an extra band member since their first release in 2014, a progression was heard throughout the set that included the classic, hook-heavy Crusoe, to their now finer tuned, more developed pace in tracks like Flash. Halcyon Drive matched the high energy from the previous band, with an honourable mention to bassist Basil Yu who jumped off the drum kit at least once during every song. The crowd was moving and singing along with ease. 

On the tail-end of their national Ghost tour, ADKOB (A Different Kind Of Busy) took to the stage, met by a surge of fans making their way to the front. Kicking off with Ghost from their debut EP A Different Kind Of Busy (2016), the four-piece let their melodically and rhythmically infectious sound fill the room. Although the setlist was less adrenaline-fuelled than the previous bands', ADKOB created a more atmospheric, glowing energy that radiated between syncopated drum beats and floating vocals. Underlined with generous bass and colourful loops, tracks like Lung Capacity and Disclaimer still had the crowd dancing and totally absorbed, echoing back the familiar hooks. 

Mixed within each track was a clever balance of fuzzy guitar, offbeat rhythms and a distinctive flicker of keys, adding an Australian music shine, a combination reminiscent of bands like Big Scary. Crowd favourite Glue, the song fans were holding out for the most, closed the night as hands went up in celebration of the opening bar. ADKOB's EP makes for a nostalgic, indie-pop dream of a set and a strong debut for the band who have confirmed that the hype surrounding them is indeed real.