Live Review: Miami Horror, Young Franco, Joy, Cleopold

Debuting his solo work Cleopold, the mastermind who has collaborated with the likes of Cassian, Bag Raiders and Chet Faker was no stranger to the spotlight. Down In Flames was the flawless showcase of his capabilities, making us pine for what is yet to come. The crowd cheered as Joy came on stage. Her dreamy-airy vocals sounded fantastic live, her performance proving just how much she can do with her vocal range. Captured stood out, getting the punters going as everyone keenly lapped it up. While everyone was having a great time, no one in the room was having as much fun as producer Young Franco. His nerdesque get-up was incredible — we don’t think we’ve ever seen someone DJ so enthusiastically in a blazer. He played a string of club classics that went down effortlessly. It was only when his song with Joy was played that he lost us, bringing her up to the stage to then leave in a disorganised flurry. Next time they should perform Close 2 U together live.

At last the Victorian synth-pop five-piece Miami Horror made it to the stage. They started off Real Slow as they eased everyone into their wonderful set. Playing a mixture of songs from their latest album as well as favourites from their 2010 record, Illumination, Miami Horror did not disappoint. They were every bit the performers with the two vocalists Josh Moriarty and Aaron Shanahan often trying to out-do one another with their climbing of the stage equipment in order to perform their songs in high and dangerous places. Guest vocalist Cleopold charmingly came back on stage for Love Like Mine. Each and every song had the crowd madly grooving. Finishing off with crowd-pleaser Holidays, followed by one last hit, Miami Horror reminded us just how much fun their gigs are.