The Kite String TangleLocal talent and one-man electro outfit Tincture (aka Luke Dalton) takes the stage at Alhambra Lounge tonight, and considering he's greeted by a sparse crowd, the tone of his set in the opening phases is still top-notch. Despite the less than impressive turn out, Dalton manages to warm the room with his dreamy beats and vocals, debuting tracks from his forthcoming EP such as Heavy Water along the way. By the end of his tantalisingly short performance, it's evident Tincture has turned the heads of those in attendance, while creating an eager anticipation for the release of his EP.
Next to greet this by now slightly-improved audience is Melbourne-based quartet Rat & Co, who do so in a completely modest and unassuming manner. Right from the outset there's sonic experimentation coming from every angle on stage – even the drums take on an intriguing characteristic at some points, sounding more like a distant industrial crash than the sharp, familiar beats we've come to expect a drum kit to exude. Lyrical content finds itself redundant in Rat & Co's set, presumably because the angelic wails of Joshua Delaney are so completely mesmerising that it's impossible for the human brain to decipher the meaning of words on top of them – the sounds are the stories. Vision acts as a spellbinding highlight, where special mention must be given to the contributions of John Wallar's guitar – while the vocals, beats and samples drift off to an ethereal plane, his repetitive and enchanting guitar riffs reminds us we are still on solid ground: it's a truly beautiful thing to bear witness to. Not even the slight technical malfunction of a broken guitar string could dampen this set.
Brisbane's Danny Harley now takes the stage as part of his first headlining tour under the moniker The Kite String Tangle. Those familiar with Harley from his endeavours with the band Pigeon will know this new project marks a distinct change in direction for the musician, and it's a change that seems to fit him like a glove as he charms this audience seamlessly with his downtempo electronica. The single he's here to launch, Given The Chance, electrifies the room with its moody swag, which builds up into a lush wall of sound by the time it comes to a close. The influence of Active Child seems to be amplified in this setting – Harley's vocals are smooth, delicate and serene, paired brilliantly with the almost oriental sounds of synthesiser.
Tonight's performances have provided an engaging tribute to sound experimentation, with each performer bringing a unique style to the proceedings. To everyone who didn't make it out tonight, you really missed out.
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