Live Review: Bonobo, Kllo, Planete

Melbourne producer Planete kicked things off, taking us on a journey through the pensive and trance-infused sounds of his early career, mesmerising the early crowds.

Kllo had a chill and meditative vibe that built into some hypnotic tracks perfect for a little boogie. Soft, soulful and angelic vocals met with melodic keys and jumpy drum tracks, working the early comers up, though many decided to socialise outside. 

Since waltzing into our lives 17 years ago, LA-based, British-born Simon Green, known to most as producer DJ extraordinaire Bonobo, has scintillated with incredibly diverse and intricate musical arrangements.

Bonobo arrived at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on his way across the world, touring in support of his latest offering, Migration. Released early this year, the album has caused unbridled hype and anticipation for audiences all over the world, not least in Australia.

The lights moved from minimal to kaleidoscopic as Bonobo played such utterly catchy tunes as Kerala from the latest album, an infectious repetition of choral voices, acoustic samples and a groovy beat that struck intermittently, encouraging revellers to dance in the darkness.

Crowd favourites like Cirrus from the producer's outrageously cool 2013 record, The North Borders, inspired in the crowd a feeling of harmony, a cheer and an indefatigable boogie. The lights bounced across the tops of the audience, hands raised to the sky, undulating through colours multifarious and psychedelic.

Bonobo let the music speak for him, moving with mechanical brilliance through a now long and illustrious catalogue of instrumental and sample-heavy tunes. The live band added an intensity unfelt by simply listening to his records. Drums, bass, horns, keys and vocals and undulating intermittent strings gave the show an overwhelming grace and a near-stadium atmosphere.

Revellers lost themselves in the lights and the slow-moving artistry of the thoroughly uplifting show. Bonobo and band moved from newer songs like title track Migration to classic Kiara with seamless ease to the wonderment of a fortunate audience. Blinding white lights flashed and transformed the space, in turn giving the crowd a transformative experience they would grasp firmly as they receded into the night.