Live Review: Midnight Juggernauts, Kirin J Callinan, Fascinator

Children Collide's John Mackay lives up to his new musical moniker, Fascinator, as he takes to The Hi-Fi stage tonight; he's wearing a gold and black shimmering muu muu, and a cap with glow-in-the-dark eyes painted on it, which has a sheet of mesh attached to it that hangs over his face. He's also brought some friends: two mannequin heads who sit on either side of his synthesiser – he paints quite the picture. His sound draws on distorted vocals, psychedelic synths, obscure guitar pedal effects and syncopated percussive beats, which blend together to create a confronting yet engaging experience. For a few songs he is joined by a group of Matrix-esque bandmates, who build on the curiosity surrounding the set. His most “normal” song comes in the form of the blissed out track Summer Dream, yet it's the more unusual songs like Mr Caterpillar and Sexuality//Mystery that really grab attention.

Following on from this strangely pleasing oddity comes the insatiable Kirin J Callinan, who builds momentum with his trademark blend of hilarity and sensuality. It's almost worth it for the theatrics alone, yet the grandeur of his performance is matched in quality of sound, which is at times minimal and synth-driven, yet has moments of punk and rock. Gracing us with tracks from his latest album Embracism, Callinan provides an entertaining and memorable set.

As Midnight Juggernauts take the stage it appears they've taken a note out of Fascinator's fashion book, wearing matching floral kimonos over their outfits. They kick things off by taking a look to the past, with Into The Galaxy and Road To Recovery appearing early in the set, and despite the popularity of such tracks, they fail to generate any genuine excitement amongst the crowd. Bassist Andrew Szekeres and synth-man Vincent Vendetta disappear halfway through the set, returning in what can only be assumed to be a tribute to their recent Soviet exploits, as they're now wearing Russian soldiers' uniforms. It's at this point we get a taste of the material from their latest album Uncanny Valley, such as Memorium and Ballad Of The War Machine, and thankfully, the energy is starting to build. Part of the thanks for this must be given to Callinan, who brings his boisterous presence to the stage to help them out. For the closing track 45 And Rising, the group invite the audience to join them onstage; a request to which a large portion of the crowd are happy to oblige and now it finally feels like a Midnight Juggernauts party. It's a shame it's taken so long for the set to get going, but when it does, all the waiting seems worthwhile.