Live Review: Vydamo, Pluto Jonze, The Mammals

Launching their first live excursion, Vydamo, headed up by Art vs Sciencer Jim Finn, were clearly enjoying themselves. In the middle of the dancefloor as it was gently warmed by first support The Mammals (who were sweet boys with great tunes, if not elegantly shambolic), by the time Vydamo took the stage Finn was clearly in his element. The love of the new project was clear, rocking out with poppy tracks Gonna Make It and Hurricane, but also introducing us to the rest of the Vydamo repertoire, including guitar and keys-based ballads, a few pitstops into pseudo folk and a lost love song dedication (with the line “I don't think you're the one” - a bit of bittersweet loveliness). While Art vs Science devotees may have got a bit of a shock (not one flipper to get down), when balloons were launched over the crowd there was confirmation that this was still about music to party to - and Atari-like blibs and blobs made sure that the acoustics were appropriately balanced. The only real misstep was the decision to have Pluto Jonze as second support, as he played a set that was so awesome that it was seriously in danger of stealing the show from Finn's outfit before they took the stage. Starting with a Theremin (always a bold move), the local boy set the scene with some great tunes (his single, Plastic Bag In A Hurricane, was his killer opener), from there he just kept getting higher, all the way to finale, Eject, and a mid-set serenade to Brian Eno. Seriously. Part dancing, part playing, part just commanding the sounds on stage with a stage swagger, Jonze and band also had the help of an analogue TV set to play key lyrics, creating an energy that was unique and totally infectious. A top night all round.