Live Review: The Paper Kites, I Know Leopard, Luke Thompson

New Zealand native-turned-Aussie nomad Luke Thompson corners off his section of the crowded Athenaeum stage and bares his soul. This singer-songwriter doesn't need flashing lights or stage props to draw the audience's focus and we're engaged from his very first note. Between songs, Thompson shares insights into his songs to fill in time while he tunes his old electric guitar. A beautiful James Taylor-style folk-rock song is a highlight.

There's a short intermission as Sydney's indie-pop quintet I Know Leopard set up their equipment. The five-piece then launch into their atmospheric, New Romantic-styled pop. I Know Leopard play with an interesting mix of organic and electric sounds, but the lack of variation in tone and tempo make the pieces blur together. Sometimes you sink into a piece, discovering all the layers of texture, while at other times it feels overwhelming with too much happening. The synths overpower the sound, which makes it hard to hear the guitar lines, string melodies and bass rhythms.

The Paper Kites backdrop features four huge windows surrounded by a brick facade. The entrance of Melbourne's very own indie folk-rock outfit is greeted with cheers. They crowd around a mic and frontman Sam Bentley sings first track Tenenbaum, the rest of the band supplying harmonies when the second verse kicks in. "Thank you for coming out tonight and letting us try and do something different," Bentley says. "I'm not going to talk to you much so don't think I'm being rude - I do like you." Behind the band, the windows open and close depicting visuals of four people's lives, incorporating everything from break-ups to house parties, and 'occupants' painting and dancing. The Paper Kites play the soundscape to these people's lives. When the windows close, the theatre plunges into complete darkness. 

The band return to the stage for one more song: fan favourite Bloom. Before this track, guitarist Dave Powys wishes his dad a happy birthday and this coaxes those assembled to break out into an energetic rendition of Happy Birthday. This seems to surprise the band. Tonight's unique visual performance demonstrates the perfect fusion of music and storytelling.