Live Review: Flight Facilities, Haiku Hands

Although this reviewer was not overly familiar with Haiku Hands before the show, it's easy to see why they were hand-picked as tour support.

Merging feel-good pop vibes with engaging electronica and performance art, they are like some kind of all-alternative Australian Spice Girls. Tribal beats, MIA-style delivery and the use of a megaphone are all part of the quartet's creative performance. While many of the crowd don't quite know how to react, Haiku Hands are something special.

The lights go down as various flight announcements blare through the speakers and Flight Facilities arrive to a hearty applause. Decked out in their trademark flight suits, the duo of Hugo Gruzman (an unbelievably great name) and James Lyell (a fairly standard name) get things underway with alluring 2018 single Need You, calling on long-term collaborator Owl Eyes to provide her sensual vocals. The Melbourne local stays on for the clubby Two Bodies before exiting stage right as the boys work through a few instrumental bangers.

Owl Eyes soon returns for the first big crowd pleaser, a frenetic techno version of Stand Still. Daft Punk's Da Funk gets a look in as Flight Facilities get the crowd jumping before introducing male vocalist Ric Rufio, who belts out the summery Sunshine. Jamiroquai's You Give Me Something is the second cover of the night and has one audience member bringing up the song on Spotify to show her boyfriend, who seems to have no clue what the song is.

It's hard to fault Flight Facilities live. They have a stack of great tunes, which keep everyone moving and dancing, but to be honest, the visual aspect of their performance is lacking. Anyone who has seen them this past year knows what to expect; blinding lights, sub-standard retro graphics on the monitors and their usual DJ set-up. While there's nothing wrong with this, it would be nice to see the lads invest in some new effects or stage props to add to the vibe of their live show. 

But as mentioned, it's all about the music, and this is where Flight Facilities excel. A subtle piano line introduces the haunting Clair De Lune, with Owl Eyes getting everyone to put their phones in the air while she sings the final chorus. Rufio brings his smooth R&B style to 2012 track With You as Owl Eyes nails the vocals on the thumping Heart Attack.

It's no surprise Crave You is the final original of the night, easily receiving the biggest response, and a 60-odd couple dance like they're still in their teens. Flight Facilities thank the crowd and announce they have one final song; Paul Simon's classic You Can Call Me Al. It's a strange way to end things as the duo are joined on stage by the dancing Owl Eyes, Rufio and two members of Haiku Hands. The Forum turns into a massive dance party one last time and Flight Facilities prove they are one of the best electronic acts in Oz.