Art Vs Science, Hercules inNY, The Trivs @ ANU Bar,Canberra, (26/8/09)

Fri 28th Aug, 2009 in Gig Reviews

On a fairly warm Wednesday night, the ANU Bar provided a barrage of Australian music talent, who in turn attracted a rather large and rowdy audience. Art Vs Science was in town, with their support bands, and they certainly made their presence known.

Up first, Canberra band The Trivs warmed the growing crowd with some standard indie-rock and great stage presence. As people continued to fill the ANU Bar, the four-piece band showcased their sound and got the crowd to move fairly early in the night. With an Augie March feel, The Trivs mix rock with a nice melodic sound. Playing a fairly short set, the four-piece entertained their fellow Canberran’s and obviously felt comfortable being back home.

After a lengthy wait, Melbourne electro-outfit Hercules in NY took to the stage. Introducing themselves with manic energy and the intention of partying, we in the crowd were told “RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!”.

Reminiscent of the Dukes of Windsor, who were in Canberra just two weeks ago, Hercules in NY used electro beats and strong build ups to get the crowd moving.
Despite the energy and bravado, Hercules in NY gave the impression that they were capable of so much more. Throughout the set, the funky beats and catchy lyrics were supposed to make you want to dance; mostly it just came off as pretentious and annoying. Hopefully the band works on their live act because they definitely have great potential.

Finally the headliners took to the stage, and not a moment too soon. Coming around to 10.45pm, many members of the nearly enormous crowd had consumed more than their fair share of alcohol, something that annoyed sober people such as myself to no end.

Sydney outfit Art Vs Science proved that stage performance is a big part of a great gig. Using the audience as backup singers and their synchronised dance mid-way through the set showed that if the band has fun, chances are the audience will respond. Playing up to the mass, the band told their adoring fans :Art Vs Science is having fun with you, are you having fun with us?”. The intense screaming indicated that they were.

Big sounds and catchy songs were the order of their set, getting the most crowd response during Triple J favourites Flippers and Parlez Vous Francais?. You know that the crowd is having an awesome time when toilet paper is being thrown across the room. Backed up by fantastic drumming and a mean keyboard, the lead singer threw his strong voice out to the crowd, barely able to sound loud enough over the raucous mob.

Finishing their set with an enthusiastic thank you, Art Vs Science had an amazing impact on Canberra and will be welcomed back with open arms next time they come to visit.