Live Review: Moana, Odette Mercy & Her Soul Atomics, A'tuin, Golden String

The night started slowly, with the crowd almost missing dream-pop duo Golden String as they gradually came in during their opening song, Eyes/Throat. Mai Barnes and Hayley Jane-Ayres took their time growing and shaping each song using loops, a violin and a keyboard to create hauntingly beautiful sounds.

A'tuin picked up the pace, drawing the crowd forward in their debut show with their bouncy, indie-rock tunes. Dedicating Dance With Me to wrestling legend "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, A'tuin quickly had feet tapping and heads bopping. They slowed things down for Technicolour Gold, giving singer Timothy James Gordon the spotlight as the rest of the band sat out for half the song. A'tuin didn't disappoint, setting the bar high for the rest of the night.

Before Odette Mercy & Her Soul Atomics had even finished their sound check, the dance floor was packed with people cheering. After a small introduction, the funk and soul band launched into Wait In Vain, showcasing an old-school sound reminiscent of the '60s. Frontwoman Odette Mercy belted out her vocals while flirting with the crowd during Baby. An incredible trumpet solo during their latest single, Ain't Nothin', saw the crowd lose their minds. Mercy became visibly emotional as she made her way through Mama, taking a few seconds to recover before picking the pace up again. By the end of their set, the infectious beat had the entire house grooving.

A projector screen was dramatically lowered to debut the video for Moana's latest single, Elephant Bones. After the bizarre, tribal-like video was over, the band sauntered on stage accompanied by two dancers, launching into Golden Orb, the punchy bass line leaving you breathless. It was an assault on the senses, with the fuzz from the guitars reverberating in your chest and Moana Lutton's hypnotising voice holding you captive. Moana rocketed through their set, playing Magenta Dust and Cloud Mother so quickly there was barely time to think. The dark, atmospheric music dragged you on a mystical journey into another world, telling a twisted story through music and dance. Moana ripped into Elephant Bones — complete with a flute solo — and suddenly it was over. As the band quickly left the stage it was clear everyone would be recovering from the guitar onslaught for weeks.