Live Review: The Jungle Giants, Lastlings

28 August 2017 | 12:03 pm | Michael Prebeg

"Green lasers shoot out in all directions, reflecting off the disco balls, and it feels like we're standing in the middle of a giant rave cave."

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Brother and sister duo Lastings have included a drummer to their live set for this evening's performance, which adds an extra layer of density and depth to their dreamy electronic-pop. "My second concert was The Jungle Giants, when I was 13, so it's pretty exciting to be supporting them tonight!" exclaims singer Amy Dowdle. They share songs from their debut Verses EP, released earlier this year, plus a few old favourites that are amped up with an even bigger sound production. Dowdle's luscious vocals fit perfectly within the euphoric, pulsating electronics that are equal parts expansive and enchanting.

"There's something in the air, it feels right so let's pump this motherfucker!" shouts The Jungle Giants frontman Sam Hales. They launch into She's A Riot and the audience loses their shit. By the second song in, there are already crowd-surfers and the room is absolutely heaving. Anyone who's ever seen this band perform before knows exactly how energetic they can be, but tonight The Jungle Giants certainly outdo themselves. The band notch their performance up tenfold to celebrate the release of third album Quiet Ferocity and it's anything but quiet, but most certainly ferocious. They've taken creative risks with the soundscape of their new album and it works in their favour as they bring it to life in a live setting with captivating results.

"Anybody here have two legs? Then let's dance!" Hales commands as the band launch into their predominantly instrumental track In The Garage. It's the most experimental track on the new record and also the peak of the show tonight. The swirling high-pitched synth and momentous drumming gets everybody's heartbeats racing as we groove along to the increasing tempo. "The party is ripe and I want to pluck it!" says Hales enthusiastically. Green lasers shoot out in all directions, reflecting off the disco balls, and it feels like we're standing in the middle of a giant rave cave. Some band members from fellow Brisbane band Confidence Man can be spotted partying nearby and we admire their dance moves.

We use every last bit of energy left inside of us, go nuts and party during their last few tracks including On Your Way Down and Feel The Way I Do. Hales makes his way out to the centre podium with his guitar held up high to really get the crowd excited. We throw our hands up in the air to express our appreciation for this truly unforgettable set by The Jungle Giants. 

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