Live Review: Forces, Multiple Man, Lucy Cliche, Lakes, Regional Curse

Stacey Wilson of assorted projects kicks off the night as Regional Curse and incorporates elements of down-tempo beats while flirting with ideas of ambient music. Not exactly the banging affair to fire up your night, but it’s a welcome one nonetheless. Lakes follow and it’s a dark brooding affair of post-punk that tonight feels really driven by the excellent drummer who, with a minimalist kit, fills out the sound and is a pleasure to watch.

The rumble from the PA vibrates many a drink as Lucy Cliché notably pumps the bass with her brand of experimental-tinged electronica. The clearly humbled Cliché goes from strength to strength with each section of her set and vocal requests from the audience for more. With Melbourne having clearly embraced the Multiple Man sound the brotherly Brisbane duo packed the room with dancing bodies lapping up their Cab-Voltaire-and-‘80s synth worship. Recent single, Persuasion, is notable with its Grace Jones synth textures and driving beat. The group could have perhaps been aided by a more visual element tonight, though from the sound spectrum they’re right on the money. The only real letdown is that few people pick up on the “it gets a little blue” Simpsons reference as they launch into their final track.

On the eve of their leaving for a European jaunt, Forces tonight have gone all out with an inflatable orb type (well) thing, being the centrepiece for tonight’s performance in what can only be described as a visual orgy of a set, leaving the crowd divided as to whether to dance or just watch. The band comes across as purists with their aesthetic and it really aids the output and creates an immersive experience. World In Focus feels as if it’s become the duo’s crown jewel/template and also highlights the odd sound issues they have at points in their set. The only real criticism here lies with the orb thingy, which should be located a bit more towards the back of the stage as at points it sort of pushes the band to the side. All in all, however, Forces own the evening and chatter of “I wish the Tote was like this all the time,” can be heard around the building.