Live Review: Models, Machinations

Synth-pop band Machinations hit the stage and the four members put in a surprisingly fresh performance, with vocalist Fred Lonergan dancing around the stage better than someone half his age. The sound was crisp and the band were tight, proving they are still proficient musicians. My Heart's On Fire, Pressure Sway and No Say In It were the highlights for the mainly middle age plus crowd.

Machinations had a few fans dancing, while many sat at the seats and tables set out cabaret style. The fit braved the dancefloor during Models 60-minute set; a performance that was a great mix of the hits and a few obscure tracks from their career.

The band might be passed their heyday, but boy did they play like it was still here! This spurred even the seated fans get up and have a dance. Opening with the 1981 single Two Cabs To The Toucan followed by Hold On from 1987, the band displayed the two different styles of their career - the early synth-driven alternative sound, to the more rock/pop style of their last album. The late great James Freud helped mould that later radio-friendly sound when he joined the band in 1982, resulting in tracks that still get radio play today.

The 2017 band line-up comprised of Sean Kelly on lead vocals and guitar, Mark Ferrie on bass and vocals, Andrew Duffield on synth and vocals, and Ash Davies on drums, were in top form even though the crowd was low. The band even joked all their fans were at the AFL final taking place down the road.

The '80s dancing continued (and was bad) but was distractingly good especially during Out Of Mind, Out Of Sight - which showed its face early in the set. The band showed off their skills, with Ferrie and Duffield splitting vocals duties and the bouncing around behind his duo of keyboards like it was early '80s all over again.

Like Machinations, Models are clearly musicians who know what the hell they are doing. Barbados, Pate Pedestrian and Big On Love concluded the show and had the crowd dancing through the night.