Live Review: Client Liaison

There's no doubt that Melbourne two-piece Client Liaison have become well versed in the art of putting on a spectacle. With a stage decked out in fake plants, two gargantuan office water coolers, flashing neon lights and power suits to match, their super charged presence on stage brought life to almost every member of the audience. Lead vocalist Monte Morgan's obscure stage acrobatics, jolted kicks, erratic bending and altogether abstract (sort of) dancing made for one hell of an entertaining night.

The band's '80s throwback approach works wonders for them on stage, musically and visually, though their main focus seemed to be centered more on theatrics. They performed Pretty Lovers off their debut self-titled EP, a nostalgic homage to '80s disco-infused synth-pop. "God I love this place. You make us feel groovy every time Sydney. Let's do this!" Morgan also really knows how to work magic on the crowd, and in one swift hand gesture, calls for the whole room to raise their hands in unison.

After walking off stage for a costume change, the band re-emerge for crowd favourite World Of Our Love. Released only last month, it had the audience singing along to every word, but it often sounded like Morgan was intentionally avoiding the higher notes by either not singing them or singing them slightly off key, with his mouth far away from the mic. The crowd didn't seem to notice or mind, and applauded them anyway, demanding a solid encore for what seemed like hours. Minutes later they walked back on stage in matching personalised sequined black tracksuits with their names embellished in hot pink diamantes. After acknowledging the traditional owners of the land, Morgan played the didgeridoo on stage and invited Harvey Miller down to the front of the stage to join him for one last boogie. They ended with Canberra Won't Be Calling Tonight, followed by a cover of MJ's Black Or White, leaving the crowd in absolute hysterics.