Live Review: Mildlife set The Zoo's stage ablaze with their mesmerising live show
Melbourne-based groovesters MILDLIFE became possibly the chillest dudes in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley this past weekend, as they played their hybrid jazz
Melbourne-based groovesters MILDLIFE became possibly the chillest dudes in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley this past weekend, as they played their hybrid jazz-psych-disco tunes to an adoring crowd. The energy in The Zoo was tangible from the minute the doors opened, with the serving/smell of pizza and a general murmur circulating along the lines of “Have you seen these guys play before?! They’re mad!”. This level of excitement can go either one of two ways: option one, the gig goes bust and expectations fall short; option two the gig really is “mad”. In the case of Mildlife at The Zoo, we are happy to report the latter scenario. These guys have just released a new track, 'How Long Does It Take?', and have hit the road hot step to spread the music, and boy did they bring it to Brisvegas.
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Kicking things off early were local legends and Brisbane favourites First Beige and Pink Matter, two bands who have been making some very serious musical waves both locally and nationally over the past few months (special mention to Pink Matter's new single 'Wonder'. Just. OMG.). By the time Mildlife's 10:50PM headline set rolled around the crowd was absolutely buzzing and the vibes were high. Considering the fact that they were full of pizza, beer and good bands, this should come as no surprise though.
Synth tones, muted oscillations and solo flute flourishes both embellish and enhance Mildlife's music and in a live performance scenario, these elements do a particularly good job of helping to build tension. For those who are unfamiliar, Mildlife songs are typically around 7-10 minutes in length and maintaining audience vibes for long songs can take some work, so naturally they made it look like a stroll in the park. The band worked seamlessly, edging towards what would eventually become an absolute breakdown of dreamy grooves, the musical equivalent of sneaking chips from the bag as you drive home from the drive through before being able to finally sit down to your indulgent cheat meal. This happened a few times throughout the set, each to the audience's delight. A special mention and personal highlight was when they played their 2017 single 'The Magnificent Moon' because man, the intro to that track is magical and flawless. Check it.
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All in all, Mildlife's performance was consistently groovy, skilful and mesmerising, making it easy to see how the Melbourne four-piece have racked up such good rapport Australia-wide. The band left the crowd with just enough to be satisfied but also wanting more, leading them to separate local venue Black Bear Lodge to party on until the break of dawn.
IMAGE: Supplied
Words by CLARE NEAL
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