Live Review: Pond, Doctopus, Leure

Utilising a host of synthesizers, sample pads and loop pedals, former Wolves At The Door vocalist Ash Hendrik managed to deliver a tight set of dreamy electronic pop with solo project Leure, which was warmly received by the crowd and included fantastic versions of both Hollow and Battle from her recently released Holland Sky album.

In stark contrast to the slick electronic sound of Hendrik's set, punk trio Doctopus came on to deliver a loud and abrasive performance which got the crowd pumped and ready for the main attraction. Vocalist Stephen Bellair hunched over the mic stand most of the set, only breaking away to deliver feedback-laden bass solos while guitarist Jeremy Holmes sat crossed-legged smashing out power chords to fill out the sound.

Walking onstage to the tune of Lionel Richie's All Night Long, POND looked in high spirits as they danced around the to the cheesy '80s classic before plugging in and hitting the audience with a heavy barrage of screaming, psychedelic rock on opener Whatever Happened To The Million Head Collide from new album Hobo Rocket. Xanman saw the first of many appearances from a mysterious dancer clad in a green full-body lycra suit who got up-close and personal with each member of the band. Vocalist Nick Albrook skulked around the stage, switching between vocals, synthesizer and jazz flute on songs Oh Darma, Moth Wings and Eye Pattern Blindness.

To round things out, they welcomed Tame Impala frontman and part-time POND member Kevin Parker to play glockenspiel alongside members of Doctopus, and of course, Green Man, capping off the show with an electrifying version of Midnight Mass.