Live Review: Sofi Tukker

Tribal percussions introduce Sofi Tukker members Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern as they welcome us to a jungle party with their worldly brand of dance music. The stage looks like a tropical rainforest, with vines of greenery draped over the microphone stands and a tree-like centre-piece topped with drum pads. The duo draws us into their animal-inspired world, starting off with Hey Lion's addictive jungle-pop vibes and hypnotic rhythms. Most of the audience have doused themselves in glitter and they shimmer under the light as they embrace the wild, animalistic dance.

Their unique sound is a kaleidoscopic blend of elements derived from South America and Afro-beat. Multi-linguist Hawley-Weld sings in several languages — including French, German, English and Brazilian Portuguese — that loop around swirling electronics and rattling beats. They both swing their guitars back and forth at each other for a flamenco-style instrumental of distorted guitar chords during their latest single, Johny.

"We only got to Australia for the first time two days ago and didn't even know if anyone would show up for these concerts, so we're really happy you're all here tonight!" exclaims Halpern. The duo continuously moves around the tree of drums and tap away with relentless energy despite their heavy jet-lag. "We've decided to stay in a happy state of delirium all the time," says Hawley-Weld. "Are you ready to dance?" she asks. They continue with Matadora, inspired by the Charango and filled with horn blasts, creating a seductive Brazilian house party.

They share a brand new song and it's only the second time they've ever played it. Just like the tracks we've heard so far it's ripe with infectious energy and bursting with personality. They teach us a flick-of-the-wrist hand movement during Awoo and we participate in a call-and-response as Hawley-Weld asks, "What do you call her?" and we howl, "The good time girl!"

The moment the crowd is waiting for comes when they unleash their hit Drinkee. The sound of congas explode, the fiery guitar riffs set-off and we all join in on their synchronised head rolls as we soak up the sensual Brazilian Portuguese lyrics. Halpern wraps the microphone chord around his body and dives into the mosh-pit for the last chorus. We're all hot and sweaty, so they cool it down for us with Moon Tattoo and keep the party going with an encore. One punter even runs on stage to steal a sweaty kiss from Halpern, much to his surprise. 

They end on a song they wrote only a couple of days ago and they're so excited to play it for us tonight. It's an absolute show-stopping banger that pretty much serves as an anthem for an "I don't give a fuck" kinda attitude and leaves us wanting more as the crowd descends into the nightclub haze.