Live Review: Future Classic

The last ten years has been pretty kind to Future Classic.

Initially devised as a vinyl-only avenue for emerging artists and DJs, the label was catapulted to international acclaim thanks to Flume and Chet Faker. The success story culminated in one hell of a party Friday night, the northern boardwalk Sydney Opera House setting granting stunning views of both the House and the Harbour Bridge.

Touch Sensitive kicked things into gear in the raw light of day. Yes, it felt a little weird dancing in the daylight and being relatively sober, but Pizza Guy shut down the awkwardness quick smart. If only punters knew how damned long the drinks line was going to get, they surely would’ve been stockpiling the maximum number of drinks for a single purchase at this point.

Hayden James got Permission To Love and permission to play as the sun went down. It was breathtaking and iconic and all that jazz. Sydney’s not bad at all. James’ penchant for smooth, chilled-out synths fitted the time slot perfectly.

Back from his solo adventures, Alex Cameron guided Seekae through a whirlwind of darker, dreamier synth pop than the previous two acts. Watching Cameron step away from his haunting solo stage presence was strange and refreshing. Also refreshing was the lack of onstage douchery that tends to take over high profile acts. Hit The Worry was delivered with slick, assured head nods. The crowd obliged and joined in.

Flight Facilities sounded great from the 40-minute long drinks line, so one could only imagine how great they sounded closer to the speakers. The guy at counter five opening cans with soup spoons thought he’d come up with a killer time-saver. It wasn’t until he put it into practice that things went pear-shaped. Owl Eyes meanwhile commanded full attention during her stints with the band, as did the rest of their guests. Crave You was the first moment that the crowd truly brought out all their moves, some of them obviously being tested for the first time and quickly packed away at the end of the song.

Flume continues to do the Taylor Swift “I still can’t believe this is happening” face in front of big crowds, modesty that is well and truly redundant by now. He keeps it in check with self-confident arm gestures as if he’s trying to mine energy from the crowd. His extended set had everybody on board as expected, what with this being one of only two Australian shows before he’s back frying bigger fish. Harley Streten has built up enough of a catalogue by now that even casual fans recognised every song. Preatures star Isabella Manfredi, Collarbones’ Marcus Whale and Miike Snow’s Andrew Wyatt were all on hand to take the spotlight for a few minutes.

Let’s meet back up in ten years and see what kind of beast Future Classic has turned itself into.